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Edu: I'm not just an actor

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 11/19/2009 1:31 PM

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MANILA – The ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD's vice-presidential bet Edu Manzano on Thursday defended himself from critics who have doubts about his qualifications for the county's second-highest public post.

In formally accepting his vice-presidential nomination under the ruling party, Manzano lambasted his detractors for zeroing in “on one aspect of my being” only--as TV host and actor.

“My friends, after the announcement that I’ve accepted the nomination to be the running mate of Secretary Gibo (Gilbert) Teodoro, may mga nagtaas ng mga kilay at nagsabing wala po akong 'K' kasi ako daw ay isa lamang aktor at entertainment personality,” he said at the party’s national convention at the Philippine International Convention Center.

He said that by doing so, his critics are also questioning the competency of those from the entertainment industry as a whole to efficiently serve the public.

More so, Manzano said, his detractors are also in effect doubting the “intellectual capacity” of Filipinos to vote for the right leader.

He said lawyers, doctors, engineers, businessmen and rich people are not the only ones who are capable of serving the public.

Contrary to criticisms, he also maintained that he has a solid background in public service.

Record of service

Manzano went on to enumerate his credentials. He pointed out that he served the Makati government as its vice mayor from 1998 to 2001. He was also a former national president of the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines and member of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines.

He also served as chairman of the Optical Media Board from 2004 to 2009.

“They (critics) conveniently close their eyes and minds to the fact that I have had training and experience in the military. I have worked in banking, in shipping, and hotel industries before entering the field of entertainment and the political arena,” he said.

“But beyond that… I also offer my honest labor, my personal integrity and dedication to duty fortified by my experience in local governance and law enforcement," he added.

He also pointed out that he has never turned his back on any call to serve the country, saying he would never do a "Cotto," referring to Puerto Rican boxer Miguel Cotto's strategy to stay away from Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao in the latter round of their bout last Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

‘Perfect harmony’

Before coming out with his decision to be Teodoro’s running mate, he had a series of meetings and discussions with “persons I highly respect” and who believe that he has what it takes to bring about change in the country.

Manzano, who has been a Lakas member since 2001, said he decided to run under the administration because the vision and platform of the ruling party are in “perfect harmony” with his principles.

On November 13, Lakas-Kampi-CMD stalwart Ronaldo Puno announced that Manzano will be the running mate of Teodoro, citing his "unmatched intelligence,” experience in local governance, and genuine concern for the youth.

Manzano said he is pledging his “entire being” to attain victory in May 2010, and to be “an instrument with which to help our people to a new and more vibrant tomorrow.” -With a report from ANC