‘Rastaman’ Files Another Senate Bid
RASTAMAN – Rolando “Rastaman” Plaza has officially filed his candidacy for the Senate, marking yet another attempt to secure a seat in the upcoming elections.
Rolando Plaza, popularly known as “Rastaman,” is once again making a bid for a Senate seat in the Philippines. On Saturday, he officially filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) at the Manila Hotel Tent City, marking his latest attempt to secure a place in the Senate in the upcoming elections.
This is not Plaza’s first foray into politics. In 2019, he also ran for a Senate seat but was disqualified by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) as a “nuisance candidate.” The term is often applied to individuals deemed lacking the seriousness, intent, or capability necessary to hold public office.
Despite his earlier disqualification, Rastaman remains undeterred in his pursuit of a political career. His persona has captivated public attention, especially after a viral interview in which he claimed to be “half-human, half-zombie,” a statement that has since become iconic. His distinct appearance, characterized by facial tattoos, has also contributed to his internet fame, adding an element of curiosity and humor to his candidacy.
Plaza’s unconventional campaign has sparked mixed reactions. Some see his presence as a symbol of the openness and diversity of the Philippine political landscape, where even non-traditional candidates have a platform. Others, however, view his candidacy with skepticism, questioning whether figures like him detract from the seriousness of the electoral process. The discussion has extended to broader concerns about the qualifications and platforms of individuals running for significant public offices.
In 2019, the COMELEC disqualified Plaza and other nuisance candidates to prevent the electoral system from being overwhelmed by those perceived as lacking genuine intent or capacity. Nevertheless, Rastaman has returned to the political stage, once again challenging traditional notions of who should be considered a “serious” candidate.
While his chances of winning remain slim, Plaza’s candidacy has undoubtedly made an impact, raising questions about the evolving nature of Philippine elections and sparking conversations about the diversity and seriousness of the political scene.
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