Despite his name appearing in a recent pre-election survey for the 2028 senatorial race, multi-awarded actor, TV host, and producer Dingdong Dantes has firmly shut down any rumors of entering the political arena.
During an interview with veteran broadcast journalist Jessica Soho on her program, Dantes cleared the air regarding his rumored political aspirations.
When asked directly by Soho if he still harbored plans to run for public office, the actor clarified his current priorities.
“Malinaw po sa akin na ang focus ko talaga ay dito sa industriyang ito. Dito sa pagiging aktor,” Dantes responded.
”It is clear to me that my focus is really on this industry. On being an actor,” Dantes responded.
Soho followed up to get a definitive answer, asking, “Wala kang balak?” (You have no plans?), to which Dantes decisively answered:
“Wala po,” he said.
”None,” he said.
Advocating Through Aktor PH
Even without a seat in government, Dantes has actively dedicated his time to public service and community welfare, starting with his peers in the entertainment industry.
He currently serves as the chairman of Aktor PH (the League of Filipino Actors), an organization established to protect, support, and advance the welfare, rights, and career development of Filipino actors, alongside the production crews working behind the scenes in film and television.
Reflecting on his 30th anniversary in show business, Dantes recalled that the initiative was born out of shared adversity during the global health crisis.
“Una, hindi lang naman po ako ang nakaisip noon. It was a collective effort of a group of actors. Nag-umpisa siya kasi nu’ng panahon ng pandemic. Nu’ng panahon na marami tayong mga uncertainties, marami tayong tanong sa industriya, sa sarili natin, sa kalusugan, maraming fears. Pero higit sa lahat, noong conversations po na ‘yun, doon nangibabaw ‘yung mga hopes,” Dantes explained.
Translation: “First of all, I wasn’t the only one who thought of that. It was a collective effort of a group of actors. It started during the pandemic. At a time when we had many uncertainties, many questions about the industry, about ourselves, about health, and many fears. But above all, during those conversations, hope prevailed,” Dantes explained.
Expressing his fulfillment in leading the group, he added:
“Ang sarap lang ng pakiramdam na kabilang ka sa isang community ng mga taong nagmamalasakit.”
Translation: “It just feels so good to be part of a community of people who care.”
While Dantes is bypassing the upcoming 2028 legislative elections, he is no stranger to public leadership. He previously served as a Commissioner-at-Large for the National Youth Commission (NYC) from 2014 to 2016 under the administration of the late President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.