People were not surprised seeing not a few stars make their presence felt at different proclamation rallies held across the country recently.

Of course.

It isn’t as if the idea is new.

Politicians normally call on actors, singers to add spice to their events.

More often than not, both organizer and star maintain the appearance is gratis.

Really?

A recent report belied this, relating how some of these personalities charge from P3 million to as high as P100 million for their participation in these sorties.

Talent manager Ogie Diaz was quick to react.

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He wrote in a social media post, “Di naman masyadong true ito...Hindi naman lahat ng celebrities, nagpapabayad o pera-pera lang.”

He attested, “Me mga celebrities, pro bono o libre lang basta kaibigan o kamag-anak nila yung kandidato o kahit hindi nila kaanu-ano, basta naniniwala sila sa ipinaglalaban nito, hindi pinag-uusapan ang magkano. Kung minsan, dumudukot pa ang mga celebrities sa mga sarili nilang bulsa, dahil walang pondo ang kandidato nila, pero naniniwala sila sa kakayahan at sinseridad nito sa mga tao.”

As to the P100 million price tag, he said: “Wow! Jackpot ang mga artista pag ganyan. Pero paano mababawi ito?”

“Pag ganito, check nyo yung pagmumukha ng endorser pag ikinakampanya niya yung kandidato niya, parang napipilitan lang.”

In the end, he maintained, “Iba pa din pag naniniwala ka sa galing ng kandidato mo, kaya bukal sa loob mo ang pagtulong nang walang kapalit.”