URIAN award winner and GMA contract star Jason Abalos is setting his sights on becoming a Provincial Board Member of Nueva Ecija’s 2nd District. It is Abalos’s first foray into the world of Philippine politics and he is keeping an open mind, absorbing every new thing that he needs to know about public service.
“My father also served as Provincial Board Member for one full term but he decided to go back to being a civil and structural engineer. It’s not like another case of the son taking over because it took many months for me to discern and decide. I also prayed hard about it. I feel that there has always been this calling inside me to be of service to more people in our province, and create ordinances and resolutions that will benefit our kababayans in Nueva Ecija,” he volunteered.
Abalos is aware that in the event that he wins a seat in the coming elections, he will have to put his acting career in the sidelines to give way to his duties and responsibilities as a first-time politician.
“This is the perfect time to spread my wings and explore things that will give me more fulfilment, more satisfaction and deeper happiness. And I think that public service checks all the boxes. I am a newbie in politics. I believe that the second district where I am part of is just the right size to serve because we have around half a million residents to serve.”
He added, “I have been in show business almost 20 years now, and being in politics does not mean that I will shut my doors on my other passion, which is acting. I will still want to be part of good projects, especially films, but of course if I get the required number of votes and win in the election, my priorities will have to be clear and laid out. I have reached a point in my life to commit to public service and to be an instrument of God in making an impact on the lives of others.”
Abalos is aware how dirty politics can get. “I think that is a given, not just in the Philippines but everywhere in the world. But you don’t have to and should never be part of dirty politics. Like what’s going on in our country at this time, bashing is everywhere, negative campaigning has become a norm for many of the parties, but I believe one can stand his ground not to engage in negative campaigning, body shaming, personal attacks, and not go that low just to convince people to vote for us.”
The 37-year-old actor affirmed that the campaign has enriched him and broadened his knowledge not only about his province but the entire country in general. “As an actor, our world is just limited. We go to locations to shoot, we stay in air-conditioned studios, we experience life in a comfortable bubble, but this new journey has brought me back to the real world.”
He is very vocal about being inspired by Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto. “He is showing everyone that he is serious in his desire to serve his constituents. He is fair, he is firm, he is fierce, he is serious in his desire to uplift the level and quality of life of his constituents. He is doing very, very well, and I believe he is to be emulated.”
When our talk shifted to his private life, Abalos said that he couldn’t be happier with former beauty pageant runner-up Vickie Rushton on his side. “Vickie and I have been together for around 10 years now and we know each other very well. She supports my every move, in the same way that I support her in all her dreams and aspirations. My venturing into politics has her blessings and we’d like to build our life together here in Nueva Ecija someday soon.”
The campaign is on its final stretch and Jason Abalos is aware that in the end, it is destiny that will decide if he will get the needed votes to win. “I have done my best. I lift everything to God. I pray for wisdom, acceptance and guidance, knowing that in the end what will be, will be.”