Several Filipino celebrities who ventured into politics in the 2025 midterm elections have conceded defeat as vote counting continues across the country.
Among the first to acknowledge their losses were actors Ejay Falcon and Dan Fernandez, along with TV host Sam Versoza. Ejay Falcon’s bid for a congressional seat in the 2nd District of Oriental Mindoro fell short, while Dan Fernandez, an incumbent congressman, failed in his attempt to become governor of Laguna. Sam Versoza, the boyfriend of actress Rhian Ramos, lost his bid for Manila mayor.
In the senatorial race, initial tallies showed that well-known personalities such as Bong Revilla, Phillip Salvador, Willie Revillame, Manny Pacquiao, and Jimmy Bondoc failed to secure spots in the top 12.
Other celebrities also saw their political ambitions cut short. Marco Gumabao (4th District, Camarines Sur), Lino Cayetano (1st District, Taguig City), Rey Malonzo (1st District, Caloocan City), and former swimmer Eric Buhain (1st District, Batangas) were all unsuccessful in their congressional races.
Luis Manzano, son of veteran actress Vilma Santos, lost his first bid for the vice-governorship of Batangas, while Jorge Jerico Ejercito, son of ER Ejercito and the late actress Maita Sanchez, lost in his run for vice governor of Laguna.
In the race for Manila mayor, Sam Versoza was joined in defeat by Raymond Bagatsing, while actors Victor Neri (Makati City), Emilio Garcia (Bay, Laguna), DJ Durano (Sogod, Cebu), talent manager Arnold Vegafria (Olongapo, Zambales), and director Bobet Vidanes (Pililla, Rizal) also failed to secure mayoral seats.
For the vice mayoral posts, Yul Servo (Manila), Dondon Hontiveros (Cebu City), Philip Cezar (San Juan), Monsour del Rosario (Makati), Angelika dela Cruz (Malabon), and Anjo Yllana (Calamba, Laguna) were among those who did not make it.
The list of celebrities who fell short continued with former couple Marjorie Barretto and Dennis Padilla, who lost their respective bids for councilor seats in Caloocan. Ara Mina (Pasig), Shamcey Supsup (Pasig), Enzo Pineda (Quezon City), Ali Forbes (Quezon City), Aljur Abrenica (Angeles City), Abby Viduya (Parañaque), Ryan Yllana (Parañaque), David Chua (Manila), Bong Alvarez (Manila), Mocha Uson (Manila), and Neil Coleta (Dasmariñas) also failed to secure seats in their respective city councils.
Actor Roi Vinzon, who ran for board member in Benguet’s 1st District, also conceded defeat, rounding out the list of high-profile figures who found the political stage less welcoming than the entertainment spotlight.
