The 2025 midterm elections proved to be a tough battleground for many Filipino celebrities who tried their luck in politics. Despite their popularity and name recall, several showbiz personalities were unable to secure a win in their respective races.
Actor Ejay Falcon, who previously served as vice governor, was unsuccessful in his bid to become congressman of Oriental Mindoro’s 2nd District. Laguna’s Dan Fernandez, a former actor-turned-politician, also lost his gubernatorial race, while Sam Verzosa, known in entertainment circles and currently dating Rhian Ramos, conceded defeat in the Manila mayoral race.
In the senatorial race, several famous names didn’t make the cut based on the partial and unofficial tally from the Commission on Elections. Bong Revilla, Phillip Salvador, Manny Pacquiao, Willie Revillame, and Jimmy Bondoc all missed the Magic 12, signaling a public preference for other candidates.
The congressional races also saw more celebrity losses. Marco Gumabao (Camarines Sur), Lino Cayetano (Taguig), Rey Malonzo (Caloocan), and swimmer-turned-politician Eric Buhain (Batangas) were all defeated. Luis Manzano, in his first political run, failed to clinch the vice-governor seat in Batangas.
Other personalities who faced defeat included Jorge Jerico Ejercito, son of ER Ejercito and the late actress Maita Sanchez, in Laguna’s vice-gubernatorial race. Former actress Gem Castillo also fell short.
In the race for mayoral positions, Raymond Bagatsing (Manila), Victor Neri (Makati), Emilio Garcia (Laguna), DJ Durano (Cebu), Arnold Vegafria (Zambales), and director Bobet Vidanes (Rizal) all lost.
When it came to the vice-mayoral contests, celebrities also struggled. Actor Yul Servo (Manila) and former PBA player Dondon Hontiveros lost their reelection bids. Other vice-mayoral hopefuls like Philip Cezar, Monsour del Rosario, Angelika dela Cruz, and Anjo Yllana were also defeated.
Even in the race for local council seats, celebrity names couldn’t draw enough votes. Former couple Marjorie Barretto and Dennis Padilla both lost in Caloocan. Ara Mina and Shamcey Supsup were not elected in Pasig, while Enzo Pineda, Ali Forbes, and Aljur Abrenica faced the same result in Quezon City and Angeles City.
Additional names who didn’t make it into city councils include Abby Viduya and Ryan Yllana in Parañaque, David Chua, Bong Alvarez, Mocha Uson in Manila, and Neil Coleta in Dasmariñas, Cavite. Actor Roi Vinzon, who ran for board member in Benguet, was also unable to win a seat.
Despite the losses, many of these stars took their defeats with grace, publicly conceding and thanking their supporters. The 2025 elections reminded everyone that while fame can help, it doesn’t guarantee a win in politics. Voters clearly looked beyond celebrity status this time.
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