MANILA, Philippines – Viral pares vendor and social media personality Deo Balbuena, also known as Diwata, filed a certificate of nomination and acceptance (CONA) on Wednesday, October 2 for the 2025 national elections.
Diwata was listed as the fourth nominee of Vendors party-list. He also admitted that this is his first time entering politics.
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| Photo courtesy: GMA News Online |
"Ang Vendor party-list ay ito ay samahan ng bawat maninindang Pilipino... ang vendors kasi wala pa talagang nagre-represent para magkaroon ng boses ang bawat maninindang Pilipino kaya nandito kami para tumayo bilang isang boses ng bawat maninindang Pilipino hindi lang dito sa Manila kundi sa buong Pilipinas," Diwata explained.
Diwata also shared with the media the Vendors party-list plan in case of winning the midterm elections and getting a spot in the House of Representatives.
"Ang adbokasiya kasi ng Vendors party-list ay tulungan iangat ang bawat maninindang Pilipino. Magtatayo kami ng kooperatiba para kung saan hindi mahihirapan lumapit yung bawat maninindang Pilipino tapos meron din kaming gagawin na adbokasiya na yung mga vendors na kailangan natin iayos," he said.
"Yung walang mga pwesto puwede natin tulungan para magkaroon ng mga pwesto abot lang din sa kanilang makakaya," the viral pares vendor added.
Diwata also assured that if their party-list wins, it will not be a hindrance to his food business.
"May mga tao naman ako na nagha-handle na mapagkakatiwalaan ko kaya yung oras ko kaya naman idivide-divide kung saan dapat," he said.
Diwata also said that he will give unli pares to the members of the House of Representatives.
"Ay bakit hindi kung gusto nila maga-unli rice tayo don at free softdrinks pa," Diwata said while laughing.
Diwata became famous after people and content creators flocked to his pares overload, which was accompanied by rice and soft drinks.
Due to the popularity of what he sells, he was also included in Coco Martin’s action series “Batang Quiapo.”
— Carl Santiago, The Summit Express
