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THRILLMAKER: Exclusive: Comelec spox bares who he'll vote for

Published Feb 28, 2022 03:27 pm

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez (left) and Manila Bulletin's 'Thrillmaker' columnist Joee Guilas

With only about three months to go before the country’s next national elections, one person who is certainly getting much media mileage is, naturally, Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez. A simple, approachable but very sensible man (most especially on his subject of expertise), his celebrity value soars to great heights as voting day nears.

“Nakakapanibago pa rin. Yung paglalabas ka, may makakakilala sa iyo at isisigaw yung pangalan mo o kaya magpapa-picture sa iyo, hindi pa rin ako talaga sanay sa ganyang mga bagay,” he confesses. “At the back of my mind may pressure. Kailangan lagi kang maayos. Hindi pwede yung basta ka na lang pakalat-kalat. Kasi nga nakikilala ka ng mga tao.”

While having its natural perks, being a celebrity also has its pitfalls. Jimenez shares, “First time I received a death threat on my phone, syempre natakot ako. Dinaga ako. Pinakita ko sa mga kasamahan ko sa Comelec tapos tinawanan nila ako. Ang sabi nila, welcome to Comelec. Talagang parte na rin yata yan ng serbisyo namin sa Comelec.”

On the issue of popular movie personalities entering the world of politics, the poll body mouthpiece has this to say: “Dapat sana makita ng mga tao na yung artistang lumalahok sa pulitika at makikitaan mo rin ngs seryosong pag-iisip sa mga problema ng bayan. Ang malungkot talaga ay yung mga artista na pumapasok sa pulitika, simply because alam nilang mananalo sila. Yung mga artistang gumagamit lamang ng kanilang celebrity status para makuha yung posisyon.”

With the 2022 polls turning out to be an interesting battle, especially for the highest post in the land, Jimenez knows exactly who he’s going to give his vote to.

Find out who the Comelec Spokesperson will vote for in the full “Thrillmaker Live” interview, exclusively on Manila Bulletin online.

CLICK TO WATCH: https://fb.watch/btxB88WPyS/

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dante jimenez Comelec
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