Actor Montano declines Arroyo appointment to run for Bohol gov

By Kit Bagaipo
Inquirer Visayas


TAGBILARAN CITY -- Actor-director Cesar Montano announced on Tuesday that he declined the position of film czar so that he could focus on his bid to run for governor in Bohol in the 2010 elections.

Montano has long been rumored to be eyeing the province’s top position but has not confirmed his political plans until Tuesday.

Montano, whose real name is Cesar Manhilot and a registered voter in the town of Baclayon, said he and his family felt honored by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s appointment of him as Presidential Special Envoy for Film and Digital Cinema.

“I am grateful … but I regret to say I could not accept it since this will sidetrack my preparations for a gubernatorial bid in May 2010,” Montano said in a telephone interview aired on radio station dyRD Tagbilaran.

Montano, who initiated the interview, said he wanted to bring in “change in Bohol politics,” which he said was being “used by politicians for business interests.”

The actor-director disclosed that he has the support of his family. Wife and actress Sunshine Cruz is actively involved in promoting tourism in this island-province.

Cruz, who talked briefly during the interview, said she fully supported her husband’s political plans.

Montano’s appointment, which was signed by Ms Arroyo on May 19, would have accorded Montano diplomatic status.

When asked if he would seek the support of Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado, Montano only said that he did not “need the blessings” of the governor.