There is a separation between church and state, and that rule and principle should always be followed. However, politics and show business cannot seem to separate, especially during the campaign season. Voters are always enamored by celebrities, and rallies seem to have more energy with celebrities surrounding them. Robin Padilla gets the most cheer and applause among all the senators running under the Uniteam Party of presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos and running mate Mayor Inday Sara Duterte. Uniteam rallies are always happier when Andrew E. and Toni Gonzaga come to perform. Ely Buendia and Ben & Ben would make the followers of Leny Robredo burst into song during a pink rally. Dancer-turned-government executive Mocha Uson is now onstage campaigning for Isko.

Are celebrities so in demand during campaigns that some are actually allegedly being paid to run for government positions? As a columnist, I cannot confirm or deny these allegations but according to my “Maritess” network, an actor is allegedly being paid to run for a high position in a huge province for P150,000 a day multiplied for 45 days (local electoral position) is a whopping P6.75 million. The financier allegedly promised this actor an additional bonus should he win in this election. The problem is, what if a handsome actor does win? This actor doesn’t know anything about running a town, moreover a province. What will happen to the place, he will be governing with the blind leading the blind.

I heard another story several years ago. An ex-wife of this celebrity who ran for a position disclosed to a “Maritess” that her husband during that time was given P50 million to run during the national elections. What the smart wife allegedly did that time was keep the P40 million for the husband and spend P10 million for the campaign. Of course, with only P10 million used for campaign funds, celebrity candidate lost by leaps and bounds despite all the cheers and applause he received during the campaign. But according to my “Maritess,” the actor and his wife were smarter because they got P40 million richer.

As a celebrity myself, I believe I have co-celebs that deserve to become public servants. Vilma Santos did a great job for the province of Batangas. But not all actors and artists have that that talent to run a province or a city. Our voters just have to be more discerning and not be enamored by the glitz and glamour a celebrity carries. Performance, experience in public service, intelligence and capacity to govern are still very important standards to consider in casting your vote. Remember, this is your future you are talking about, so vote wisely.