‘J.Lo’ tops senatorial mock poll

In mock elections where mostly Hollywood stars and singers stood as candidates instead of senatorial aspirants in the May 13 balloting, actresses with Spanish roots were the top choices of voters—Jennifer “J.Lo” Lopez and Cameron Diaz.

J.Lo topped the polling, according to results printed at the University of the Philippines Integrated School—one of the 20 voting centers in 10 areas across the country where simulated balloting was conducted by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday. She garnered 77 votes.

Completing the Magic 12 were Diaz with 68 votes; Frank Allison (61); the late astronaut Neil Armstrong (61); Michael Jackson (58); Tom Cruise (54); Michael Bublé (50); Mariah Carey (49); Harrison Ford (48); Sylvester Stallone (48); Drew Barrymore (46); and David Pomeranz (46).

The Comelec used the names of Hollywood stars instead of actual candidates to avoid controversy, Comelec Chair Sixto Brillantes Jr. explained.

“Jennifer Lopez was the clear winner,” said Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez.

During the 2010 mock elections, the Comelec used the names of Filipino heroes. Jose Rizal beat Emilio Aguinaldo for the presidency.—Jocelyn R. Uy