Celebrity Candidates Shine in 2025 Midterm Elections
The 2025 midterm elections showcased a colorful lineup of celebrity candidates, resulting in significant wins and a few surprises. Polls closed on May 13, and early results reveal notable performances among entertainers-turned-politicians.
In the Senate race, 14 celebrity candidates competed, with Erwin Tulfo leading the pack. Tulfo finished fourth, receiving 16 million votes—outpacing his brother Raffy’s performance in 2022. Returning senators Tito Sotto and Lito Lapid also made the cut, placing eighth and eleventh respectively, while another Tulfo brother, Ben, fell short at 13th.
Other familiar faces, including Bong Revilla and Manny Pacquiao, did not secure seats, with Revilla ranking 14th and Pacquiao 18th after his presidential bid earlier in the year. The election highlighted a trend of celebrities merging entertainment with public service, with several seasoned stars like Jimmy Bondoc and veteran actor Philip Salvador also struggling in the Senate race.
Shifting focus to the House of Representatives, Arjo Atayde and Lani Mercado-Revilla emerged victorious in their respective districts, while Richard Gomez celebrated re-election in Leyte. However, Ejay Falcon and Marco Gumabao conceded in their attempts for congressional seats.
On the local front, Isko Moreno triumphed as mayor of Manila, defeating incumbent Honey Lacuna. In Pasig, Dodot Jaworski secured the vice mayor position. In a surprising twist, veteran actress Vilma Santos is leading the governor race in Batangas, while her son Luis Manzano trails in his vice governor campaign.
As Election 2025 concludes, the blend of fame and politics remains a captivating narrative in the Philippines, underscoring the enduring influence of celebrity culture in governance. For comprehensive updates on the elections, visit GMA News Online’s dedicated microsite.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
