Former President Joseph Estrada would need to match or even outdo the support being extended by showbiz personality Kris Aquino to her brother, Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, if he wants a Malacanang comeback, Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. said Tuesday.

Estrada, a former movie actor, should mobilize his friends in showbiz and secure their support for his candidacy “just like what Kris has been doing for Noynoy”, the son of the late President Ferdinand Marcos said.

The opposition congressman acknowledged the tremendous boost showbiz celebrities can give a particular candidate, especially in the campaign trail where celebrities have proven their power to draw crowds.

“Erap should start securing the support of his showbiz friends. Even if we say that voters are intelligent nowadays, showbiz personalities still have use for the candidates,” Marcos said.

As the media likewise plays a major role in the Philippine elections, Marcos said Estrada should also begin talking to his friends in the entertainment press.

“I think Erap also needs to seek the help of showbiz writers. The combined support of the artists and entertainment media can be a great help to his reelection bid,” he stressed.

Marcos said he believes that Estrada continues to wield significant influence in the entertainment industry and there is no doubt that a lot of showbiz personalities are still willing to support his candidacy.

Kris Aquino, a television show host and sought-after product endorser, is a popular personality among fellow entertainers and counts the biggest and most bankable stars and talents among her close friends.

Many of her showbiz friends have openly pledged to work for Senator Aquino, the standard-bearer of the Liberal Party who has been leading all surveys after he declared his intention to seek the highest post in the land a couple of months ago.

Estrada has also declared his intention to run again for president under his Partido ng Masang Pilipino.