DURING the 2025 midterm elections, a number of showbiz personalities had taken their chance to run for office. Most of these celebrities are known to be very loved amongst a number of Filipinos due to their talents and skills in acting and entertainment.
However, controversy sparked amongst these showbiz personalities when they decided to run as senators, with Filipino citizens questioning their credibility and capabilities to lead and look after the Filipino citizens.
Entertainment in Politics?
“What can they do? ”
That’s the number one question that Filipinos ask whenever they hear a showbiz personality running for the chair. Because of this, it sparks the question of whether or not we have lowered our standards regarding obtaining good governance.
It’s like compromising who we root for because the famous one will always be known.
The most common misconception amongst entertainers running for politics is that they have no idea what they’re doing due to their lack of knowledge and credibility. To write it more simply, we cannot trust them just yet.
Some might say that they should stick to entertaining, while others would say that they should be given the same chance just like everyone else. Who knows? They might come up with something smart that no politician ever thought about.
In the previous 2025 midterm election, over 68 million Filipinos were expected to vote. These voters were dominated by millennials and Gen Z, making up 60 percent of the voting population.
With Filipinos casting their votes for the 2025 midterm elections, did these showbiz personalities who ran for the midterm elections do well? Did they reach the ideal number of votes for them to win the election?
Local:
Isko Moreno
After an eventful race to find the rightful mayor for Manila, actor Isko Moreno made a successful return after defeating his fellow runners, Sam Versoza and Honey Lacuna.
Moreno’s running mate, Chi Atienza, also won the election after defeating Vice Mayor Yul Servo, who ran with Honey Lacuna.
Lucy Torres
In the area of Ormoc, Leyte, actress Lucy Torres is set to serve another term after winning the election.
Aiko Melendez, Alfred Vargas, and Enzo Pineda
Actor Alfred Vargas and actress Aiko Melendez had once again secured a seat as councilors in the fifth district of Quezon City. However, actor Enzo Pineda lost after securing a seat outside the sixth.
Daniel Fernando and Alex Castro
Once again, Bulacan’s governor and vice governor, Daniel Fernando and Alex Castro, secured the place, with Fernando winning his third and final consecutive term.
Marjorie Barretto
After running as Caloocan’s first district councilor, actress Marjorie Barretto wasn’t able to secure a seat.
Vilma Santos and Luis Manzano
After winning the election, Vilma Santos is set to return as Batangas governor. Meanwhile, her running mate and son, Luis Manzano, wasn’t able to secure the spot as the vice governor.
Congress:
Arjo Atayde
Incumbent House Representative Arjo Atayde is currently holding off former congressman Bingbong Crisologo in the contest for Quezon City’s first district.
Richard Gomez
Incumbent Richard Gomez, who is leading the contest for Leyte’s 4th District over Ching Veloso, the former representative of the province’s third district, is up against a challenge.
Ejay Falcon and Marco Gumabao
In the contest for the province’s second district, incumbent Representative PA Umali is the leading actor, and the current vice governor of Oriental Mindoro is Ejay Falcon.
Actor Marco Gumabao is also lagging behind incumbent Representative Arnie Fuentebella in the contest for Camarines Sur’s fourth district.
Senate:
Tito Sotto
Host comedian and former Senate President Vicente Sotto III will be returning in the senate after ranking 8th within the Magic 12 senators.
Erwin Tulfo
ACT-CIS representative and former broadcaster, Ewin Tulfo had also reached the “Magic 12,” ranking 4th in the senatorial race.
Lito Lapid
Ranking 11th in the senatorial race is actor Lito Lapid, just after politician Camille Villar.
Jimmy Bondoc, Philip Salvador, Manny Pacquiao, and Willie Revillame
Meanwhile, among showbiz personalities who didn’t reached the “Magic 12” are musician Jimmy Bondoc, actor Philip Salvador, boxer Manny Pacquiao, and TV host Willie Revillame.
