AN Archdiocese of Cebu official yesterday said that instead of drawing voters in the 2010 elections, the administration’s choice of candidate for vice president may turn them off.

The inclusion of actor and game show host Eduardo Lorenzo “Edu” Manzano, Msgr. Esteban Binghay said, may not bring forth inspiration, because he believes Filipinos now are already intelligent voters.

The Lakas-Kampi announced Friday that Manzano, a former Makati City vice mayor, will be the running mate of resigned defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro.

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In a telephone interview, Binghay told Sun.Star Cebu that Manzano’s inclusion may not impress a public that has become more discriminating about show business personalities joining politics.

“People are becoming more intelligent when it comes to voting. Kahibawo na sila (They already know) what and whom to choose,” he said.

Binghay said the people have experienced politics at the hands of showbiz personalities, and it “left a bad taste in mouth.”

“I’ve heard some people asking, ‘Wala na gyuy lain nakuha si Gibo (Teodoro could not find a better guy)’?” he said.

The episcopal vicar hoped that despite his showbiz background, Manzano will be a candidate with intellectual and moral capabilities to handle the job so he might change the public perception of actors in politics.

Manzano, who recently resigned as Optical Media Board chairman, announced his plan to run for a national office early this year.