Filipina sexy actress Ara Mina’s decision to run for Councilor in Quezon City was met with a bit of celebration and some consternation for Comelec.

Malayang Halalan, a blogger tracking developments leading to the country’s election in 2010, put it rather well:

With the coming of the election season, there is one thing we voters have come to expect: movie or TV stars who want to run for office—aspiring politicians looking to make the leap from being celebrities who make tons of money, to public servants who most probably, will still make tons of money.

Among this crop of candidates is Ara Mina, who is running for councillor in Quezon City. Now I know what some of you are thinking—“But we’re still waiting for her to do bold movies again! Our dreams are over!”

Sorry guys, she seems dead set on entering politics; but kidding aside, her filing for candidacy does beg the question “Is she serious?”; After all, she hardly looks the politician type (even if she is the daughter of a former Q.C. mayor).

I suppose we could give her the benefit of the doubt that she really wants to be a public servant, but what are her qualifications? Having Mel Mathay for a father may not be enough to garner votes (although for many political clans, having an incumbent official for a parent is usually the only prerequisite to run, and win, in an election). So what should Ara’s selling point be?

I think the question is spot on.  In a city known for its many beer houses and a flourishing sex trade, what could Ara Mina’s number one selling point be? Lemme think…. Hmmm…

Anyway, I don’t suppose it could be her popularity as an actress.  Right now, showbiz gossip mills are turning up the volume on the story that Ara Mina and Krista Ranillo (Manny Pacquiao’s rumored lover) will be together in the indie film ‘Marino’.  Ara Mina, if you can remember, was also linked to Manny Pacquiao a while back.

But then again, Ara Mina’s celebrity status may not be so much of an advantage as the Comelec is duty bound to level the playing field among candidates.  In this article from ABS-CBN News, Comelec legal chief found himself suddenly scratching his head.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) legal chief admitted Wednesday they are in a quandary with respect to the petition filed by actress Ara Mina asking the poll body to allow her to appear on television even after she files her certificate of candidacy (COC) later this month.

Ferdinand Rafanan, Comelec legal chief, cited conflicting provisions in the new election automation law, Republic Act 9369, and the Omnibus Election Code, which must be clarified in relation to the actress’ petition.

In RA 9369, Section 13 says: “Any person who files his certificate of candidacy within this period shall only be considered as a candidate at the start of the campaign period for which he filed his certificate of candidacy.”

The provision adds: “That, unlawful acts or omissions applicable to a candidate shall effect only upon that start of the aforesaid campaign period; Provided, finally, That any person holding a public appointive office or position, including active members of the armed forces, and officers, and employees in government-owned or-controlled corporations, shall be considered ipso facto resigned from his/her office and must vacate the same at the start of the day of the filing of his/her certification of candidacy.”

The provision does not specifically include performing artists or TV personalities.

Rafanan said that what’s clear in the new automation law is that television personalities, including actors and actresses, who have political endorsements are allowed to appear on TV and in shows as long as they will not publicly campaign for their candidates.