Despite their advantage in name recall and media exposure, the 2025 midterm elections showed that celebrity status alone is no longer enough to guarantee victory.
With less than 3% of votes still to be counted, it is safe to say that among the showbiz personalities, only Tito Sotto and Lito Lapid were given the chance to be in the winning circle in the mid-term elections. In the final tally, Bong Revilla, Willie Revillame, Phillip Salvador and Jimmy Bondoc did not make the cut.
We tried putting together a clean list of entertainment personalities and media celebrities who are winning and losing so far.
Showbiz personalities have long been successful in Philippine politics, and the 2025 mid-term elections are no exception. Some factors contribute to their winners in this year’s mid-term elections may be popularity and name recall. Celebrities leverage their existing fame to gain instant recognition and popularity, making it easier for voters to remember them.
Media Presence. The widespread coverage of celebrities in media, particularly on television, plays a significant role in shaping voter preferences. Research suggests that exposure to television increases the likelihood of voting for celebrity candidates.
Perceived Ability to Deliver. Voters often believe that celebrities can provide what traditional politicians promise but fail to deliver. This perception may stem from their experience in entertaining and connecting with audiences.
Weak Political Parties. The Philippines’ weak political party system allows celebrities to capitalize on their individual popularity rather than relying on party affiliations.
Voter Preferences. Some voters prioritize personality over substance, which can give celebrities an edge in elections.
But as seen through our Winners and Losers List, being a celebrity is not a sure-fire ticket to making it to the winning circle.
These may be the reasons that led to some of the major losses of showbiz personalities in the May 12 elections:
Lack of qualifications and experience. Some celebrities may not have had the necessary qualifications or experience to hold public office, leading to concerns about their ability to effectively govern.
Overemphasis on popularity. Celebrity politicians often rely on their popularity to win votes, but this can be fleeting and may not translate to actual governance.
Weak political parties. The Philippines’ weak political parties can make it difficult for celebrities to build a strong foundation for their campaigns.
Personality over substance. The electoral system in the Philippines often prioritizes personality over substance, which can lead to celebrities being elected based on their charm rather than their policies.
Limited understanding of governance. Some celebrities may not have a deep understanding of governance and policy-making, which can hinder their effectiveness in office.
Voter expectations. Voters may have high expectations for celebrity politicians, which can be difficult to meet, especially if they lack experience or qualifications.
Campaign promises vs. delivery. Celebrities may make promises during their campaigns that they cannot keep, leading to disappointment and disillusionment among voters.
It has been highlighted that the youth played a significant role in the May 12 Philippine midterm elections, with millennials and Gen Zs dominating the voter demographics. Can we say that there is a whole new way at looking at Philippine politics, and that the millennials and the Gen Zs are more discerning and are not easily swayed by celebrities as they have become celebs themselves by virtue of social media?
For sure there is a whole new perspective in public service vis-a-vis the emerging new politics in our country. Are we ushering a more exciting part of our nation’s leadership? Hopefully so.
