Anti-corruption advocate Atty. Levi Baligod, who is running for congressman in Leyte’s 5th District in the 2025 midterm elections, has defended celebrities entering politics, saying there are no legal restrictions barring them from public office.
Baligod, who served as legal counsel for whistleblower Benhur Luy in the P10-billion pork barrel scam, emphasized that any qualified Filipino citizen has the right to seek elected positions.
Speaking with members of the press, Baligod pointed out that the Constitution does not require a specific background to hold public office.
“Ang requirement lang kasi ng ating Saligang Batas is you must be a Filipino citizen, able to read and write, ‘no, and you are a resident in a given period in a place where you want to be voted for.”
However, he reminded candidates—especially those from entertainment backgrounds—that public service is a serious responsibility.
“Ang pwede lang nating masabi ngayon, ang public service ay isang mabigat na obligasyon, isang mabigat na responsibilidad at kung sa tingin ng kandidato ay kaya niyang bitbitin ang responsibilidad ng isang government official, eh, pupuwede naman, ‘no?”
He added that anyone can claim love for their country, but leadership requires dedication and competence.
“Sabi nga natin, walang tao na pwedeng sabihin niya ‘ako lang ang nagmamahal sa bayan.’ Anybody and everybody can claim love for country. Anybody and everybody can claim he can do the job.”
While defending their right to run, Baligod urged celebrities to become role models, setting a good example for the public.
“Ang pakiusap ko lang sa mga tumatakbo, dapat tayo ay maging role models. We should not just dream to become leaders of this country, we must endeavor to become role models.”
He warned against the dangers of corrupt politicians, noting that voters sometimes choose popular figures over competent leaders.
“Ang mga botante raw kasi ngayon ay mas pinipili nila ang mga artista dahil nae-entertain sila kaysa iboto ang mga matalinong magnanakaw.”
As the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte continues to divide public opinion, Baligod also weighed in on the online backlash against celebrities who voice their political stances.
“Bawat Pilipino naman ay may karapatan na mag-express o magbigay ng kani-kanilang mga damdamin. Pero ang request ko lang, bago sana sila mag-post sa kanilang social media platform, kasi influencer sila, eh, kailangan munang pag-aralan ding mabuti, magbasa muna.”
He cautioned celebrities and social media influencers against spreading misinformation, especially on complex legal matters.
“Mahirap kasi maki-debate sa isang legal issue na hindi ka naman well-acquainted sa legal principles or legal doctrines.”
Baligod stressed the responsibility of influencers to their audience.
“So you let the law scholars discuss amongst themselves for the benefit of the general public. Pero okay lang ‘yon, magsabi tayo ng sentimiyento natin. Pero mag-ingat tayo dahil kung influencer ka, meron kang mga maiimpluwensiyahan and responsibilidad mo ‘yan, ‘no?”
“What you put in the minds of others is your responsibility. So isipin nila na may responsibilidad sila and be careful also.”
As he challenges incumbent Congressman Carl Nicholas Cari, Baligod is pushing for food security initiatives instead of traditional government aid (ayuda).
“Ayuda is the worst form of government program dahil umaasa na lang.”
Instead, he is proposing the creation of Barangay Food Centers, where local officials will purchase directly from farmers to support sustainable livelihoods.
“Kung meron mang pondo sa ayuda, puwedeng hilingin na i-convert sa ibang programa tulad ng food security, na magkaroon ng barangays food center at ‘yung barangay mismo officials ang bibili mismo ng mga produkto ng magsasaka.”
Unlike many politicians, Baligod refuses to rely on celebrity endorsements, choosing to campaign based on his credentials.
“Wala po akong resources, I will run based on my credentials.”
Despite facing political veterans and well-funded opponents, he believes that integrity and experience will resonate with voters.
“Ang political culture kasi ng Pilipino, tinitingnan nila ‘yung sikat na may kakayahan sa resources makapaglagay ng streamers (buong bansa). Wala tayong ganung resources kaya tayo ay gusto nating magbigay ng tunay na serbisyo kaya doon muna tayo sa sariling lugar na ‘yung problema ng bansa ay naroon din sa lugar namin.”
With his anti-corruption stance and grassroots-focused platform, Baligod is positioning himself as a reform candidate. His commitment to transparency and accountability stands in contrast to traditional politicians, and he hopes that voters will prioritize competence over popularity.
