Veteran actor Romnick Sarmenta has made his stance clear: he will not be voting for any fellow actors in the upcoming 2025 elections.
In a candid post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on February 19, Sarmenta expressed his belief that fame should not be the foundation for leadership, emphasizing that it creates an uneven playing field for other candidates.
“Di ako naniniwalang dapat tumakbo ang mga sikat. Hindi patas ang laban… lalo na’t pondo ang pangalan. Kilala sila… hindi alam ang pangalan ng kalaban. Kilala sila… oo. Pero hindi ito batayan ng kagalingan sa pagpapaunlad ng bayan,” Sarmenta wrote.
The 52-year-old actor also declared that he would not be endorsing any candidates in the elections, stating firmly, “Hindi rin ako mag-eendorso ng kahit na sino. Alam ko kung sino ang mga pinili ko. Wala. Walang artista sa kanila.”
Sarmenta, who started in show business at the age of four, reflected on his long career in the industry, acknowledging the valuable lessons he has learned over the years. He credited the people who helped shape his values, emphasizing that he has never been one to be swayed by popularity or public clamor.
“Oo. Artista ako. Ito ang aking kinamulatan… Apat na gulang ako ng magsimula. Hindi. Hindi ako ginamit ng kahit na sino… Natutunan kong mahalin ang sining na nagpalaki, at sa isang banda’y tumulong sa paghubog ng aking pagkatao,” he shared.
Oo. Artista ako. Ito ang aking kinamulatan… apat na gulang ako ng magsimula. Hindi.
Hindi ako ginamit ng kahit na sino… natutunan kong mahalin ang sining na nagpalaki, at sa isang banda’y htumulong sa paghubog ng aking pagkatao.— Romnick Sarmenta (@Relampago1972) February 19, 2025
His statement follows similar sentiments from award-winning actor John Arcilla, who previously voiced his disapproval of celebrities entering politics, arguing that public officials should be judged by their ability to serve rather than their personal wealth.
The 2025 midterm elections are set to feature a number of celebrity candidates, including Willie Revillame, Phillip Salvador, Nora Aunor, Marjorie Barretto, and Ara Mina, sparking ongoing debates on whether showbiz personalities should transition into public service.
Sarmenta’s declaration has drawn mixed reactions, with some supporting his call for more qualified leaders outside of the entertainment industry, while others argue that actors can still bring positive change if they have the right intentions and capabilities.
