Alma Moreno | halalan2016

Vanessa "Alma Moreno" Lacsamana

United Nationalist Alliance

Having been in the showbiz industry for the past 40 years, the name Alma Moreno (real name:Vanessa Lacsamana) might not exactly be a buzzword for today’s generation anymore. But the seasoned actress made a rather big comeback recently after a TV interview that went viral online—this time not as a showbiz personality, but an aspiring Senator this 2016 elections.

Moreno, who runs under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) drew much flak after her interview with Karen Davila on ANC’s “Headstart” in Nov. 11, due to her statements on same-sex marriage and the Reproductive Health (RH) Law, among other topics.

The 56-year-old actress was described “unprepared” by netizens when she could not articulate her stand on the said issues.

Asked whether she supports the RH Law, Moreno said “Yes, with reservations,” but replied “Kailangan ko pa bang sagutin?” when asked what her reservations were.

The incumbent Parañaque City councilor was also criticized for expressing opposition to same-sex marriage, calling it “a sin,” despite being the committee chair on gender and development for the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP).

“Parang ‘di natin tanggap naman na parehong ano magpapaksal (It is not acceptable for homosexuals to get married),” she said.

Soon after the said episode, #PrayforAlma trended on social media, together with jokes and memes about the interview.

Despite heavy public criticism, Moreno still believes she is capable of taking on the role of a senator.

“Hindi man ako ganoon kagaling magsalita

, may puso naman ako para sa tao (I may not be that good of a speaker, but I have a heart for the people),” she told ABS-CBN News in a tour in Balayan, Batangas.

Moreno was catapulted to fame by her first starring role in Ligaw na Bulaklak Part 2 in 1976, directed by National Artist Ishmael Bernal. Moreno has since been known for appearing in a number of revealing (box office) movies until the late 1980s. For this, she earned the title “Sex Goddess of Philippine Movies” during the period.

Moreno also appeared in a number of acclaimed films including “Manila by Night (City After Dark)” and “Makati Avenue Office Girls” which was awarded the 1993 Gawad Urian Best Picture. She has since been nominated for a number of acting awards in film and television.

Unknown to many, Moreno finished a crash course on Leadership and Development Program at Ateneo de Manila University in 1998. She also earned a degree in AB Political Science in the University of Makati through the Philippine Councilors League Legislative Academy (PCL-LA)

Moreno was first exposed to the field of politics in 1995 when her then-husband actor-politician Joey Marquez became mayor of Parañaque. She became first lady of the city for nine years.

After her then-husband’s term in 2004, Moreno attempted to take on the role of Parañaque City mayor under Lakas-CMD, but lost. She ran again in 2007 under the same party, and was elected as councilor of the city, after which she was reelected for two more terms.

Moreno was also the first female president of the PCL, where she served as the National Secretary General in 2008.

In 2013, Moreno was supposed to run for the Senate under Ramon “Bong” Revilla’s Bagong Lakas-CMD, but did not push through due to her multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain.

Symptoms of MS include visual disturbances, muscle weakness and thinking and memory problems. There is no cure for the disease, but medicines may slow down its symptoms.

Despite this, Moreno said her MS is not an issue in her senatorial bid.

If elected, Moreno said in an interview with ABS-CBN that she will not support the Anti-political Dynasty Bill, as she believes members of the same family must be allowed to serve in different government positions as long as they work for the good of their constituents.

“Okay sa'kin basta maganda ang ginagawa. Maraming ginagawa. 'Di rin naman sila mananalo kung hindi gusto ng tao eh. Bakit sila binoboto pa rin ng tao (It is okay as long as they do their job and they work well.

People will not vote for them if they are not wanted for the position. Why else would people vote for them)? ” she said.

Moreno’s son, Vandolph Quizon, is also currently running for public office as Parañaque City councilor under the Liberal Party.

References:

http://www.philippinecouncilorsleague.org/coun-alma-moreno/

http://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/05/25/12/alma-moreno-tells-critics-dont-judge-me

http://www.rappler.com/technology/social-media/113108-alma-moreno-viral-interview

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/272750/showbiz/chikaminute/alma-moreno-sumasailalim-sa-stem-cell-therapy-para-sa-kanyang-sakit-na-walang-lunas

http://news.abs-cbn.com/focus/v1/11/11/15/alma-moreno-ms-not-an-issue-in-senatorial-bid