MANILA, Philippines – In the 2025 polls, there were several familiar names on the list of candidates on both the local and national levels.
Vilma Santos, Richard Gomez, Lito Lapid, Isko Moreno, and Luis Manzano — names more often heard on television or on the big screen than in politics — ran for different posts. But while some proved that their star power paid off in the races, others found out it wasn’t enough to be victorious.
National posts
Take senate hopefuls Jimmy Bondoc, Phillip Salvador, and Willie Revillame for example. The singer, movie star, and actor-host each hoped to revive their careers in the world of politics, but failed to reach the top 12.
The three individuals ranked 17th, 19th, and 22nd, respectively, as of Tuesday, May 13, perhaps serving as a slight indication that Filipinos cannot be won over with sweet tunes, onscreen charisma, and free jackets.
The stars aligned for other entertainers, though. Tito Sotto — whose name first entered public consciousness as a member of disco band VST and Company, and as host of noontime show Eat Bulaga! alongside Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon — placed 8th in the 2025 polls’ partial, unofficial results.
Actor Lito Lapid, who has served three non-consecutive terms in the senate since 2004, has also made a comeback — not as an action star on the big screen, but in the Philippine government. He came in 11th in the senatorial race.
Another notable name in the 2025 “Magic 12” is current 4th-placer Erwin Tulfo, a broadcaster, and the brother of incumbent senator Raffy Tulfo, host of Raffy Tulfo in Action. Their other brother, journalist Ben Tulfo, also ran for senator this year, but only ranked 13th.
Meanwhile, actor and “budots” dancer Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. failed to extend his campaign for reelection into the senate, ranking 14th despite efforts to sustain his popularity — like his surname being listed as “Bong Revilla” in the ballots so he would be one of the first candidates voters would see on the alphabetical list.
Local races in Metro Manila
In local politics, results were also mixed.
Muntik Na Kitang Minahal actor and former teen idol Isko Moreno reclaimed his spot as Manila mayor, beating out incumbent mayor Honey Lacuna, who had been looking to extend her run for a second term.
In 2022, Moreno opted out of a second consecutive mayoral term so he could run for president in the elections.
Moreno also defeated host-entrepreneur Sam Verzosa in the competition by a large margin. Verzosa currently serves as a representative for the Tutok To Win party list. Trailing behind Verzosa in the results was actor Raymond Bagatsing.
In the race for vice mayor in the same city, actor Yul Servo was edged out by Moreno’s running mate, Chi Atienza.
Moreno wasn’t the only member of his family who celebrated the poll’s results. His son, actor Joaquin Domagoso, is set to occupy one of the six seats as Manila’s 1st District councilor.
More personalities had also tried to fight for a spot as councilors in Manila’s other districts. Over in the 6th District, actor-comedian Lou Veloso ranked 1st. Controversial vlogger and Mocha Girls member Mocha Uson, however, lost her bid for 3rd District councilor after placing 10th.
Quezon City’s 5th District is set to have a star-studded roster of councilors, with actors Alfred Vargas and Aiko Melendez landing spots in the top 6.
Actor Arjo Atayde, meanwhile, has been reelected as 1st District representative after defeating his lone opponent, Bingbong Crisologo.
In the Vico Sotto-led Pasig City, ‘90s star Angelu de Leon topped the race for 2nd District councilor, while actress Ara Mina fell short of her bid and only ranked 10th.
In the 1st District, Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup-Lee missed out on a seat as councilor, ranking 7th overall. Lee had earlier withdrawn from mayoral candidate Sarah Discaya’s Team Kaya This slate after now-disqualified Pasig lone district representative candidate Ian Sia drew flak for his lewd remarks on single mothers.
The fight for a spot in regional office
In Eastern Visayas, celebrity couple Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres-Gomez each earned spots in Ormoc’s local government. Lucy was reelected as the city’s mayor, defeating Violy Codilla, the wife of former Ormoc mayor Edward Codilla.
Richard, who previously served as Ormoc’s mayor from 2016 to 2022, was reelected as Leyte’s 4th District representative. He was up against Vicente Sofronio “Ching” Veloso.
Actor Ejay Falcon’s bid for 2nd District representative in his hometown of Oriental Mindoro failed. Alfonso “PA” Umali defeated the Katorse star, who ranked 2nd in the polls. Falcon served as Oriental Mindoro’s vice governor, beginning his term in 2022.
Screen legend Vilma Santos-Recto, will return as Batangas’ governor after defeating three other gubernatorial bets — with Mike Riviera being her closest contender. She previously occupied the post from 2007 to 2016.
Her non-showbiz son Ryan Recto will officially make his foray into local politics after earning the 6th District representative title in Batangas. He will succeed his mother, who began her term for the post in 2022.
However, the dynastic campaign of Vilma’s family wasn’t entirely a success. Her other son TV host-actor Luis Manzano’s bid for vice governor was foiled by Governor Hermilando “Dodo” Mandanas, who defeated him by a margin of over 250,000 votes, according to partial and unofficial results as of Tuesday, May 13.
Thirty-year-old actor Marco Gumabao, who was hoping to make his political debut as Camarines Sur 4th District representative, was defeated by incumbent titleholder Arnie Fuentebella.
Gumabao was up against an opponent with extensive years of experience in politics and governance. Fuentebella had served two terms as mayor of Tigaon, Camarines Sur, from 2010 to 2016. He then began his first term as Camarines Sur 4th District representative in 2019, and is set to return for his third term. – Rappler.com
Content shared from www.rappler.com.