Kapamilya actress Jodi Sta. Maria endorses ‘Tay’ Chel Diokno for senator

 

By Archie Liao

Actress Jodi Sta. Maria officially declared her support for the senatorial bid of human rights lawyer Chel Diokno.

In an Instagram story, Jodi shared her photo while using the “CHELFan” and holding a flyer of the senatorial candidate. 

She accompanied the post with the caption “Hello Tay @cheldiokno! Isa po ako sa mga Chel-dren niyo” and the hashtag #21cheldioknosasenado, referring to his number on the ballot.

In a separate Instagram Story, Jodi posted a photo of the “CHELFan” and the flyer with the caption “Sasamahan tayong maging liyamado ang mga dehado #21cheldioknosasenado.”

Atty. Chel, for his part, responded “Thanks for the support, Jodi! Malaki ang maitutulong nito sa hangarin nating magkaroon ng gobyernong tapat, at mapaabot sa bawat Pilipino ang access sa libreng serbisyong legal!”
He added “PS. Nagkakagulo mga CHELdren, ang sabi papunta na talaga tayo sa exciting part! Sama ako dyan ha!”
The human rights lawyer was referring to Jodi's now iconic line, “Papunta pa lang tayo sa exciting part!” in the drama series “'The Broken Marriage Vow” where she plays the role of Doc Jill.

Veteran actor John Arcilla, the Venice Film Festival 2021 Best Actor for the film "On The Job: The Missing 8," and star of 2015 blockbuster movie “Heneral Luna,” also endorsed Atty. Chel's candidacy during the April 23 grand rally in Pasay.

Atty. Chel shared the photo of that moment on his Facebook page and accompanied it with the caption “maraming salamat sa ating nag-iisang Heneral Luna, @johnarcilla , sa suporta at tiwala sa gobyernong tapat at makatarungan. Your speech last night was so moving. Maraming, maraming salamat sa pagtindig!” 

Aside from Jodi and John, actress Nadine Lustre, actors Edu Manzano and Pepe Herrera and singer-composer Johnoy Dayao have also expressed support for Atty. Chel's candidacy.
If he wins a senate seat, Atty. Chel is eyeing to establish access to free legal assistance in every barrio, like the Free Legal Helpdesk that he put up on his Facebook page, to provide ordinary citizens with immediate legal help.

Atty. Chel also plans to push for an independent commission to investigate abuses allegedly committed or instigated by persons in authority, to avoid cover-up.