Who is Rastaman?

Ronaldo Plaza, also known as Rastaman, is self-described as “half-human, half-zombie.” He grew up in Davao, where he worked hard to become a seaman to land a job overseas. He is married with two kids, but he is currently living alone in Bulacan.

Rastaman first gained popularity in 2018 after he filed for candidacy as senator for the 2019 elections but was deemed a nuisance candidate. After his hilarious answer in an interview, he became viral on social media, where his interviews were created as memes and even a remixed song. His facial and body tattoos became instantly recognizable, and many netizens appreciated his animated personality.

This year, he returned to the spotlight once again for filing for candidacy as senator for next year’s elections. Unfortunately, he tested positive for COVID-19 and was once again considered a nuisance candidate on his second try. “Nuisance. Eh malinaw naman ‘yung adbokasiya ko eh,” he said on KMJS.

Following this candidacy filing, KMJS asked him for his opinion on some hot-button social issues. Here’s what we learned.

Death penalty

Rastaman’s answer: NO

He emphasized that this is important for the poorest. “Ang spelling ng poor, mahirap, M-A-H-I-R-A-P. Ngayon, M-A-H-I-R-I-P,” Rastaman even joked before touching on some seriousness, “Ang pinapatay lang mahirap.”

Reproductive Health Bill and Same-sex marriage

Rastaman’s answer: YES NA YES

He didn’t expound on his answer to the RH Bill. But he’s pretty firm about his stance on same-sex marriage, saying “They are both happy. This is what the Creator wants. Why you discriminate it? [sic]”

Divorce Law

Rastaman’s answer: YES YES YO

For him, the divorce law is important due to too much poverty and lack of resources for a married couple to support their family. “There is always fighting; they do not agree on [sic] each other — divorce. There is no such thing as one man, one woman, because of poverty.”

Political dynasty

Rastaman’s answer: NO

“The original is corrupt, and all the blood [relations] are corrupt,” he says about his answer.

Martial Law

Rastaman’s answer: NO

“No Martial Law. Only Martian law,” Rastaman begins with a joke. “I will deport yung . . . mga taong namumuno ngayon na alien. This is now war on alien vs zombie. Because the leaders are too malignant. Too malignant to be human. They are not human; they are alien.”

Federalism

Rastaman’s answer: NO

He says that changing our government structure would only lead to more expenses that would be a huge burden to our already-struggling country. “Federalism is only for rich country. We are poor. There is no need for federalism because you add justices, poor justices, and maybe two presidents, and that’s a bloody waste of money.”

All praises

Netizens are amazed by his clear stance on these important social issues that are in debate in our current political climate. Some have compared his answers to those of actual candidates and said that Rastaman has a better grasp on what the Filipino people want. Others say that he really proves that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.

The biggest plot twist tonight is Rastaman’s political views making more sense than some of the actual candidates 😳 #KMJS

— kaloy (@karltrooper) November 7, 2021

RASTAMAN STAND:

✅ Same-sex marriage
✅ Divorce
❌ Death penalty
❌ Martial Law
❌ Federalism
❌ Political dynasty

He makes more sense than sum of our politicians now. #KMJS

— rem (@SUPREMELLA__) November 7, 2021

stan rastaman dahil no to martial law yes to martian law🥰🇵🇭 #KMJS pic.twitter.com/L4kYc8Jjka

— marcos not a hero (@youarefucknugly) November 7, 2021

Rastaman proves that even you are an ordinary citizens we must care for our country. We are all responsible for it not just the politicians. @KM_Jessica_Soho#letrastamanlead2022 #KMJS pic.twitter.com/dg9vTk5lEr

— Beenjbodyy😎 (@BenjGallora) November 7, 2021

Rastaman is the epitome of Pinoys longing for dignified and competent national leaders. He may have been comical but he is serious about his hopes for this country. #KMJS pic.twitter.com/gLXr7I4LWs

— ronel buban (@ronbillius07) November 7, 2021

Let’s admit it, Rastaman’s answers were comedic but from someone who experiences our country’s first hand poverty and issues, he knows. And as he asked for it, I hope y’all vote for someone who’s not only for the country but also for the people. @KM_Jessica_Soho #KMJS

— ᴀʀᴄʜɪᴛᴇᴄᴛ ᴊɪʜᴀɴ (@ENGENE_twts) November 7, 2021

This may sound obsolete pero we can really never know one’s true nature just by seeing how he or she looks.

‘RASTAMAN’ also speaks senses; even more sensible and relatable compared to how many ‘qualified’ ones speak.#KMJS

— _doN ag0sto_ (@hashtag_leon) November 7, 2021

Watch the full interview here:

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