Philippine elections: Stars and veterans face off in the 2025 Senate race

Christian Borbon

The 2025 Philippine Senate race

With over 60 registered candidates, voters will select 12 senators in an at-large voting system. The lineup features a mix of political veterans, entertainment industry figures, and fresh faces. Will you vote for them?

AFP
Bondoc, James Patrick 'Jimmy' Romero

Atty. Jimmy Bondoc views public service as a calling and is committed to promoting diplomacy in the Senate. The Let Me Be the One singer intends to focus on advancing the interests of the music and arts industry.

Jimmy Bondoc | Facebook/PDP Laban
Bong Revilla, Ramon Jr. Bautista

The actor-turned-politician has served three terms in the Senate. Known as 'Alyas Pogi', Revilla says there is still much to be done to improve the lives of Filipinos.

Bong Revilla, Jr. | Facebook/Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr.
Lapid, Manuel 'Lito' Mercado

Known by his fans as Supremo, Lapid highlights his deep connection with the Filipino people and cites his political experience, expressing hope for another opportunity to serve.

Lito Lapid | Facebook/Lito Lapid
Ong, Willie Tan

The renowned cardiologist gained widespread recognition for providing medical advice on social media, earning the trust of millions. However, on February 13, Ong formally announced his withdrawal from the Senate race, citing his health.

Doc Willie Ong | Facebook/Doc Willie Ong
Pacquiao, Emmanuel 'Manny' Dapidran

'Pambansang Kamao' Manny Pacquiao is now aiming for a Senate comeback two years after he lost the presidential race. He vows to fight graft and corruption, promising to deliver a knockout blow against corruption.

Manny Pacquiao | Facebook/Manny Pacquiao
Revillame, Wilfredo 'Willie' Buendia

TV host 'Kuya Wil' admitted in an interview that he currently has no legislative proposals, despite filing his candidacy for senator. Revillame says he is seeking a Senate seat to 'fight for the poor.'

Willie Revillame | Facebook/Willie Revillame
Salvador, Phillip Reyes

Former action star Phillip Salvador, who previously ran for vice governor of Bulacan in 2016 but lost, is now vying for a Senate seat. Salvador pledges to deliver efficient public service.

Phillip Salvador | Facebook/PDP Laban
Sotto, Vicente III 'Tito' Castelo

Eat Bulaga! host Tito Sotto is seeking a political comeback. Sotto says many of his priority bills, including measures on government rightsizing, have stalled in Congress. He also vows to push for legislation that will outlaw fake news.

Vicente Tito Sotto | Facebook/Vicente Tito Sotto
Tulfo, Bienvenido 'Ben' Teshiba

Ben, host of the public service program 'Bitag' says he wants to fix the country's "broken system" and has decided to run for public office to help solve the nation's problems.

Ben Tulfo | X/@bitagbentulfo
Tulfo, Erwin Teshiba

Former broadcaster Erwin Tulfo, a consistent front-runner in the Senate race according to surveys, says he will prioritize legislation benefiting the middle class. If both he and his brother Ben win, they will join their brother Raffy in the Senate.

Erwin Tulfo | Facebook/Erwin Tulfo
People raise banners as they attend an election campaign rally in Dasmariñas City, province of Cavite. | AFP