Bong Revilla’s “Panday” and Manny Pacquiao’s “Wapacman” are at risk of being pulled out of the Metro Manila Film Festival line up this year because of issues that beset its two lead actors.

Bong is seeking a senatorial re-electionist post, while Manny is running for congressman in Sarangani Province.

Section 80 of the Omnibus Election Code states that “it shall be unlawful for any person whether a voter or a candidate to engage in election campaign or partisan political activity except during the campaign period.”

This provision remains applicable, according to the Supreme Court, even after the passing of Section 11 of Republic Act 8436, which states that “acts or omissions punishable by law applicable to candidates shall take effect only upon the start of the campaign period.”

Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Law Department Director Ferdinand Rafanan gave his personal interpretation on the matter.

“Puwedeng lumabas [ang mga pelikula]. Puwede [silang] maging artista pa rin. Ang hindi lamang puwede, kung i-a-apply natin ang Section 80, ay ‘yung parades, motorcades, for enhancing the candidacy or for soliciting votes.

“So kung hindi naman ganun ang purpose, ito’y MMFF naman at kahit hindi election year [ay] ginagawa ‘yan, [so pupuwedeng maipalabas ang dalawang pelikula].”

The parties involved are still waiting for the official guidelines from Comelec, though.

Bayani Fernando, MMFF Executive Chairman, pleaded for the commission’s favorable decision.

“Nakikiusap kami sa Comelec na payagan itong mga pelikulang ito. Dahil sa desisyong ito [ay] mababawasan ang bilang ng aming mga pelikulang maipapalabas,” he said.

Elaine Lozano, line producer for “Panday,” also stood up for both films.

“First of all it’s purely entertainment and ‘Panday’ has been a movie for a long, long time,” she related.

Former senator Tito Sotto extended his sympathy to the movies’ production teams.

“Maraming pamilya ang umaasa diyan. Hindi lang ‘yung mga artista but the people working around them because of their endeavors,” said he.

‘I’ll be okay’ – Roderick Paulate

Although he is still grieving his mother’s death, Roderick Paulate maintained that he will be okay.

“Masakit, pero pananampalataya ang magpapalakas sa akin. Walang ibibigay ang Panginoon na hindi natin kaya,” said a teary-eyed Roderick on “Startalk” on Nov. 7.

Paz Paulate, 86, passed away on Nov. 1 due to renal failure. Her body was laid to rest on Nov. 5 at the Manila Memorial Park.

Roderick confessed his mother had long battled diabetes and had undergone a multitude of surgeries.

“Marami na rin siyang surgeries, pero awa ng Diyos nalagpasan niya [‘yun],” he said.

The actor-comedian gave a final message to Paz.

“Mom, enjoy your new life in the presence of the Lord… I’ll be okay,” said he.

 

Dennis Trillo to replace Dingdong Dantes on ‘StarStruck’

Kapuso actor Dennis Trillo will replace Dingdong Dantes as host on “StarStruck” along with Raymond Gutierrez and Carla Abellana.

Dingdong has been hosting the show for four years before leaving it for “Family Feud.”

Apart from “StarStruck,” Dennis will also be seen on primetime drama “Darna,” in which he’ll play Pancho, Narda’s (Marian Rivera) childhood friend.