MANILA, Philippines - Nacionalista Party (NP) presidential candidate Manny Villar on Friday claimed that comedy king Dolphy Quizon and Wowowee show host Willie Revillame are endorsing him for free.

"Si Dolphy hindi ko binayaran, magkaibigan kami... Si Willie hindi rin eh (I did not pay Dolphy, we are friend. I also did not pay Willie)," Villar said in a one-on-one interview with ABS-CBN's Umagang Kay Ganda.

The senator, whose significant recovery in the latest presidential surveys has been attributed to his political ads, said his celebrity endorsers actually believe in him and his capability to lead the country.

He added that he and his endorsers have common rags-to-riches experiences, so it was easy to get their support.

He said he and Dolphy became friends after discovering that they are both from Tondo district, which has one of the largest slum areas in Manila. He said he is also a fan of the comedy king, and he has even nominated him for the National Artist Award.

"Si Willie naman, ang story ng buhay nito ay kamukha ko rin. Naghirap siya ng bata siya. Naging magkaibigan kami (Willie and I also have similar experiences in life. He was also poor when he was young. We became friends)," Villar said.

Dolphy has appeared in a campaign ad endorsing Villar, while the senator has appeared several times in his Revillame's noontime show. Revillame also rooted for Villar during a provincial sortie last year.

Aside from the two celebrities, Villar is also supported by Filipino boxing idol Manny Pacquiao and multi-awarded singer-actress Sarah Geronimo.

Villar also claimed that Geronimo's endorsement was free. Pacquiao, meanwhile, is NP's congressional bet for the lone congressional district of Sarangani.

LP, NP common stand

Villar and his closest rival Liberal Party standard-bearer Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III have issued a common stand on the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) and PPCRV's warning that celebrity endorsers should go on leave from their shows or programs during the campaign period.

Villar said celebrity endorsers, particularly those doing it for free, should not be deprived of their right to tell the people who they are supporting.

"Mga Pilipino ang mga iyan. May karapatan silang sabihin ang kanilang gusto. Bakit naman natin sila aalisan ng karapatan? (They are also Filipinos. They have a right to say what they want to say. Why should we deprive them of their rights?)," the senator said.

Aquino, meanwhile, said that his party is planning to petition the Supreme Court to issue a clarification on the Comelec's regulation on celebrity endorsements.

The senator's sister, Kris, is one of ABS-CBN's top celebrities. He has the most number of celebrity supporters among all presidential candidates.

Aside from Kris, Gretchen Barretto, Vilma Santos, and Sharon Cuneta--who all have relatives in the Liberal Party ticket--Aquino is also endorsed by Boy Abunda, Ai-Ai Delas Alas, Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Anne Curtis, Erik Santos, Bea Alonzo, Mariel Rodriguez, Sitti, Pooh, Kim Chiu, Kris Bernal, and Aljur Abrenica.

The Comelec's and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting's (PPCRV) warning is based on Section 6(6.6) of Republic Act 9006 or the Fair Election Act which states: "Any mass media columnist, commentator, announcer, reporter, on-air correspondent or personality who is a candidate for any elective public office or is a campaign volunteer for or employed or retained in any capacity by any candidate or political party shall be deemed resigned, if so required by their employer, or shall take a leave of absence from his/her work as such during the campaign period."