The phenomenon of celebrities entering politics is not new in the Philippines. The upcoming May 2025 National and Local Elections is no exemption what with a significant number of actors, influencers, and public figures filing their certificates of candidacy (COCs).
Several celebrities are vying for Senate seats, including re-electionists and those seeking a comeback. Among them are boxer and former senator Manny Pacquiao, TV host and former senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, and action stars Senator Lito Lapid and Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.
“Next year marks 30 years of my life in public service. I was first elected in 1995 with my party, Lakas-CMD. Three decades later, I file my candidacy for senator under Lakas,” Revilla said.
Revilla outlined his legislative priorities, which include addressing rising commodity prices, creating programs for farmers and fisherfolk, updating the Philippine Building Code for flood control, lowering the optional retirement age for government workers, and offering additional benefits for barangay workers, nurses, and teachers.
“While many joined us, some dismissed us as Mr. Budots. However, we were fortunate to be elected then, and we are happy to say that because of our people’s trust, we delivered on our pact with them,” Revilla said.
He highlighted that during his term, he filed 1,979 bills and resolutions, 339 of which became law. One such law is the Free College Entrance Examinations Act, or Republic Act 12006, which mandates private colleges and universities to waive entrance exam fees for underprivileged but academically qualified students.
“‘That’s the result of our Budots dance in the Senate,” Revilla said.
“While we have accomplished a lot, work never ceases, and there is still much to be done,” he added.
First-time Senate aspirants include variety show host Willie Revillame, singer and lawyer Jimmy Bondoc, action star Phillip Salvador, and broadcasters and brothers Ben and Erwin Tulfo. Health advocate Dr. Willie Ong also filed his COC amid his cancer diagnosis.
In local races, familiar names are also on the ballot. Vilma Santos-Recto is running for Batangas governor, while her sons, actor-TV host Luis Manzano and Ryan are running for Batangas vice governor and Congressman, respectively.
Isko Moreno is making another bid for Manila mayor, while his son, Joaquin Domagoso, is running for a Manila District 1 councilor seat. Richard Gomez is seeking reelection as Leyte’s 4th District representative, and his wife, Lucy Torres-Gomez, is running for Ormoc City mayor.
Businessman and Tutok to Win Party-List Representative Sam Verzosa also filed his COC for Manila City mayor.
“I believe the Lord prepared me for 20 years. He let me experience hardship as a child. I had to work hard and study. I needed to learn how to solve problems,” Verzosa said in a media interview.
Verzosa and his supporters went to Bonifacio Shrine next to Manila City Hall, where he declared, “I formally accept the challenge against corruption. Today, I am officially a candidate for mayor of Manila.”
“In front of the shrine of Gat Andres Bonifacio, we will start the revolution, the revolution of change. We will fight for you until the end! No one will go hungry! No one will sleep on the streets! No more neglected senior citizens! We will bring jobs and livelihoods to the poor!”
In a media interview, Verzosa said his priority issues include health and cleanliness.
“Our top priority is free hospital services, free medicines, and a P2,000 allowance for our senior citizens. We are already providing medical services through SV mobile clinics,” he explained.
“As they say, you know you’re in Manila just by the way it looks. We want to change the image of Manila. Let’s beautify it as the capital of the Philippines. It should be a place you want to visit, not one where you feel unsafe,” he added.
Meanwhile, Quezon City First District Representative Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde filed his COC for a second term, seeking to continue the programs and projects that have benefited his constituents.
“We have already achieved a lot, but there is still much to do. We want to follow through on anti-flooding projects and continue crafting legislation that will benefit the families and residents of our district,” Atayde said.
In his first term, Atayde authored several significant laws, including the Eddie Garcia Law, the Internet Transactions Act, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, and the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers Act.
While not officially a candidate, actor Piolo Pascual also continues to lend his star power to the Ang Probinsyano Party List, which has championed significant legislative measures related to disaster resilience, education, agriculture, and social welfare under the leadership of Congressman Alfred “Apid” Delos Santos.
The Party List has championed significant legislative measures that tackle pressing issues such as disaster resilience, education, agriculture, and social welfare. As they aim for a third term, their mission remains clear: to empower every Filipino through effective public service, legislation, and grassroots initiatives.
The party has authored 306 bills and co-authored an additional 146, demonstrating a commitment to addressing the needs of the ‘HEARTSSS’ sectors which stand for health, education, agriculture, rural development, tourism, small and medium enterprises, senior citizens, and solo parents.
Other celebrity candidates vying for local position include re-electionists include Lani Mercado-Revilla for Cavite 2nd District representative, Jolo Revilla for Cavite 1st District representative, Bryan Revilla and beauty queen Samantha Panlilio as first and second nominee of the Agimtat party-list.
Actor Marco Gumabao will also run for Camarines Sur 4th District representative, and actors Enzo Pineda and Alfred Vargas, as well as Aiko Melendez are all running for Quezon City 5th District councilor.
Alex Castro is running for vice governor of Bulacan while Dan Fernando as Bulacan governor.
TV host Ion Perez is running for councilor in Concepcion, Tarlac. Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo and Pasig City councilor Angelu de Leon are seeking reelection.
Actor Lou Veloso is running for Manila’s 6th District councilor, while Anjo Yllana is vying for Calamba vice mayor.
Others running for office include Shamcey Supsup, Aljur Abrenica, Marjorie Barretto, Ara Mina, Cai Cortez, EJ Falcon, Roi Vinzon, Wendell Ramos, Abby Viduya, Anjo Yllana, James Yap, Angelika dela Cruz Dan Fernandez, DJ Durano, and Manny Pacquiao’s son Michael. Former sexy stars Mocha Uson and JC Parker also running for Manila’s 3rd District councilor seat and Angeles, Pampanga councilor, respectively.
For party-list positions, notable names include Nora Aunor as the second nominee of the People’s Champ party-list and Zanjoe Marudo as the second nominee of the ASAP NA party-list.
