Stars for a night: Politikos steal the spotlight at 2024 MMFF Awarding Ceremony

(POLITIKO) With the 2025 midterm elections barely five months away, politikos are taking advantage of every chance to get public exposure—with the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) awards night providing them the opportunity to score free airtime.

Six politikos running in the midterm polls shared the spotlight with celebrities at the 2024 MMFF Gabi ng Parangal held Friday (December 27) at the Solaire Grand Ballroom in Parañaque City. Their attendance surprised netizens, who weren’t expecting politikos to “gatecrash” what’s traditionally been known as a gathering of movie and television stars.

Former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, a senatorial candidate, gave a message as a former chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the office in charge of the annual film festival.

The following politikos acted as presenters of awards alongside celebrities: Senator Bong Go, Senator Francis Tolentino, Makati Mayor Abby Binay, Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, and Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto.

Two politikos also took the stage at the 2024 MMFF although they’re not running in the 2025 elections: former president Joseph Estrada and his son, Senator Jinggoy Estrada.

The former president, who was a popular action star before entering politics, personally received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the Philippine entertainment industry.

Jinggoy, meanwhile, presented some awards— including the recognition for Best Picture.