Who are the notable winners, losers among celebrity aspirants in the 2025 polls?

The 2025 Philippine elections saw a mix of outcomes for familiar faces from the world of entertainment who ventured into politics, whether on the national stage or in local races. Names like Vilma Santos, Richard Gomez, Lito Lapid, Isko Moreno, and Luis Manzano, typically associated with television and film, threw their hats into the political ring. For some, their celebrity status translated into electoral success, while others discovered that star power alone wasn't enough to secure a victory.

Among those vying for national positions, several hopefuls with roots in entertainment failed to make the cut. Singer Jimmy Bondoc, movie star Phillip Salvador, and actor-host Willie Revillame all ran for Senate seats but did not reach the coveted top 12. As of the partial, unofficial results on Tuesday, May 13, they ranked 17th, 19th, and 22nd respectively, suggesting that charm from the screen or stage didn't necessarily guarantee votes.

However, the spotlight shone on other entertainers in the senatorial race. Tito Sotto, widely known from the popular noontime show "Eat Bulaga!" and previously a member of the band VST and Company, secured a spot, placing 8th in the preliminary results. Action star turned politician Lito Lapid also proved his staying power, ranking 11th and set to serve his third non-consecutive term in the Senate.

The national results also highlighted interesting family dynamics within media personalities. Broadcaster Erwin Tulfo landed in the "Magic 12" at 4th place, while his brother, journalist Ben Tulfo, who also ran for Senate, finished outside the winning circle at 13th. Meanwhile, actor Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., known for his movie roles and campaign jingles, did not secure reelection for the Senate, placing 14th despite strategic efforts, including ballot name placement, to maintain his popularity.

The landscape was similarly varied in local government races across Metro Manila. In the city of Manila, actor and former teen idol Isko Moreno made a significant comeback, successfully reclaiming the mayoral seat. He defeated incumbent mayor Honey Lacuna, who sought a second term, as well as host-entrepreneur Sam Verzosa and actor Raymond Bagatsing.

While Moreno celebrated his return to Manila City Hall, his running mate for vice mayor, Chi Atienza, defeated actor Yul Servo. The Moreno family also saw another win with Isko's son, actor Joaquin Domagoso, earning one of the councilor seats for Manila's 1st District.

Other districts in Manila also elected personalities from entertainment. Veteran actor-comedian Lou Veloso topped the councilor race in the 6th District. Conversely, controversial vlogger and Mocha Girls member Mocha Uson was unsuccessful in her bid for 3rd District councilor, placing 10th.

Moving to Quezon City, the 5th District's councilor roster will feature actors Alfred Vargas and Aiko Melendez, who both secured positions within the top 6. Actor Arjo Atayde also saw success, being reelected as the 1st District Representative after besting his sole opponent.

In Pasig City, known for Mayor Vico Sotto, '90s star Angelu de Leon emerged victorious, topping the race for 2nd District councilor. However, actress Ara Mina was not as fortunate, ranking 10th and missing out on a seat. Similarly, Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup-Lee placed 7th in the 1st District councilor race, falling short of securing a position. This followed her earlier withdrawal from a local slate due to controversy surrounding another candidate.

Beyond the capital, regional races also featured notable celebrity candidates. In Eastern Visayas, the celebrity couple Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres-Gomez continued their presence in Ormoc politics. Lucy was reelected as City Mayor, defeating Violy Codilla, while Richard was reelected as Leyte's 4th District Representative, overcoming challenger Vicente Sofronio “Ching” Veloso.

In Oriental Mindoro, actor Ejay Falcon, who previously served as vice governor, was unable to secure the 2nd District Representative seat, ranking 2nd behind Alfonso “PA” Umali. Meanwhile, screen legend Vilma Santos-Recto made a return to her previous role as Batangas Governor, defeating three other contenders. Her non-showbiz son, Ryan Recto, will step into the political arena as the 6th District Representative for Batangas, a seat previously held by his mother.

However, the Santos-Recto family's political aspirations faced a setback elsewhere. TV host-actor Luis Manzano, Vilma's other son, lost his bid for Batangas Vice Governor, significantly trailing Governor Hermilando “Dodo” Mandanas in the unofficial results. Finally, actor Marco Gumabao, hoping for his political debut as Camarines Sur 4th District Representative, was defeated by the incumbent, Arnie Fuentebella, who has a strong background in local governance.