(FEATURE)
THE 2025 midterm elections weren’t just about policy and platforms; they were a captivating drama featuring a star-studded cast of celebrities vying for political power. While the official tallies are still being finalized, the partial and unofficial results offer a glimpse into this fascinating political spectacle.
Pasig City: A Battle of the Titans
Pasig City emerged as a key battleground, with familiar faces vying for council seats. In District II, Angelu de Leon commanded the stage, securing a landslide victory with a staggering 199,554 votes – a clear indication of her popularity and influence. Six seats were up for grabs, making the competition fierce.
District I presented a different narrative. While Kiko Rustia, a former “Survivor” castaway, secured a respectable second place with 108,715 votes, the race was far from predictable. Shamcey Supsup, the elegant Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up, found herself in seventh place with 42,987 votes, trailing behind Paul Senogat’s 76,257 votes. A testament to the unpredictable nature of politics!
Manila: A Family Affair and Unexpected Twists
Manila’s political landscape was equally dramatic. In District I, Joaquin Damagoso, carrying the weight of the Moreno name, stormed ahead in the council race, amassing 129,748 votes. Six seats were contested, making his victory all the more impressive.
However, not all celebrity campaigns achieved the same success. Mocha Uson’s bid for a council seat in District III ended in tenth place with 32,785 votes, a stark contrast to Jeff Lau’s sixth-place finish with 41,951 votes.
Veteran actor Lou Veloso, however, proved his enduring popularity, securing first place in District VI with a commanding 72,851 votes.
Quezon City: A Close Call and Unexpected Underdogs
Quezon City’s political drama unfolded with a mix of expected victories and surprising upsets. Arjo Atayde’s congressional campaign in District I was a resounding success, securing a comfortable lead with 88,700 votes against Bingbong Crisologo’s 63,171 votes.
The council race in District V, however, was a nail-biter. Actress Aiko Melendez secured a strong second place with 151,169 votes, closely followed by actor Alfred Vargas with 140,270 votes. The race was tight, with actor Enzo Pineda placing seventh (106,830 votes) and Ram Medalla securing sixth place (125,867 votes). Six seats were up for grabs.
Caloocan City: A Family Feud and Unexpected Outcomes
Caloocan City witnessed a compelling narrative of family dynamics and political ambition. While former actor Rey Malonzo secured second place in the congressional race of District I with 66,514 votes (Oca Malapitan secured first place with 191,959 votes), Marjorie Barretto’s council campaign in the same district ended in seventh place with 108,027 votes, trailing Kaye Nubla’s 125,105 votes. Six seats were contested.
Adding another layer to the drama, Marjorie’s ex-husband, Dennis Padilla, ran for council in District II, but secured only 9,222 votes, placing him sixteenth. Carol Cunanan secured sixth place with 73,210 votes. Six seats were contested.
Other Key Races:
Angelika dela Cruz’s bid for vice mayor in Malabon resulted in a second-place finish with 51,908 votes, while Ervic Vijandre placed fourth in San Juan’s council race with 15,846 votes, trailing James Yap’s second-place finish with 16,772 votes. Monsour del Rosario secured second place in Makati’s congressional race with 58,173 votes, and Jhong Hilario led the council race in Makati’s first district with 109,102 votes.
The Curtain Call:
These partial and unofficial results paint a vibrant picture of the 2025 midterm elections, showcasing the captivating blend of celebrity appeal and political ambition.
