Shock Defeat for Marjorie Barretto and Dennis Padilla in Caloocan Council Race: What Went Wrong?

The recent 2025 Philippine midterm elections brought unexpected results for two well-known showbiz personalities turned politicians, Marjorie Barretto and Dennis Padilla. Both candidates, despite their celebrity status and previous political experience, failed to secure seats in the Caloocan City council race, leaving fans and political observers stunned.

The Candidates and Their Campaigns

Marjorie Barretto, a former actress with a considerable following and a political career that began years ago, ran for councilor in Caloocan’s 1st district under the Nacionalista Party. Her campaign focused on community development, youth empowerment, and improving local healthcare facilities. Meanwhile, Dennis Padilla, a popular comedian and actor known for his comedic timing and approachable persona, sought a councilor seat in the 2nd district as an independent candidate. Padilla’s campaign promised to bring a fresh and relatable perspective to local governance, focusing on education and social welfare programs.

Election Results and Immediate Reaction

Despite their efforts, both candidates came up short in the official count released by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). Marjorie Barretto landed 7th place in the 1st district, receiving approximately 112,000 votes — not enough to secure one of the limited council seats. Dennis Padilla’s result was even more disappointing, with only about 6,500 votes in the 2nd district, far below the winning threshold.

These outcomes surprised many, considering their public recognition and the initial buzz their campaigns generated. However, the results underscore the changing political landscape in Caloocan, where voters are increasingly demanding more than just name recognition.

What Does This Mean for Celebrity Candidates?

The losses of Barretto and Padilla open a broader conversation about the viability of celebrity candidates in Philippine local politics. While celebrity status often brings visibility, it does not always translate into voter trust or political credibility.

Political analysts note that voters today tend to prioritize a candidate’s track record, community engagement, and clear plans for governance. In Caloocan’s case, many winners were established politicians or community leaders with proven service records, such as Enteng Malapitan and Lanz Almeda, who topped their respective districts.

This shift reflects a more discerning electorate, one that demands substance and accountability over popularity alone.

The Challenges of Transitioning from Showbiz to Politics

Barretto and Padilla’s losses also highlight the challenges celebrities face when entering politics. Unlike the entertainment industry, politics requires grassroots mobilization, consistent community presence, and the ability to address complex social issues effectively.

While their star power gave them an initial platform, sustaining a political career demands a different set of skills, relationships, and public trust.

Looking Forward

For Marjorie Barretto and Dennis Padilla, this election defeat could serve as a moment of reflection and recalibration. It remains to be seen whether they will attempt another political run or focus on other avenues.

For Caloocan voters, the 2025 midterms reaffirmed their desire for leaders who are deeply rooted in their communities and who can deliver tangible improvements in their daily lives.

As new councilors prepare to take office, the city faces high expectations for progress and good governance. The political arena in Caloocan continues to evolve, signaling a maturing democracy where voters’ voices carry significant weight in shaping leadership beyond celebrity allure.

Marjorie Barretto, Dennis Padilla both fall short in Caloocan
Former spouses Marjorie Barretto and Dennis Padilla, who ran for councilor in separate districts in Caloocan City, both fell short in the election.

Barretto, a former councilor of the second district, is running for councilor in the first district, which is on the slate of Mayor Along Malapitan, who has been proclaimed mayor of the city for a second term. She is in seventh place with 2,517 votes based on the partial and unofficial tally as of 4:31 a.m., Tuesday, May 13.

Her ex-husband, Dennis Baldivia or “Dennis Padilla,” ran for councilor in the second district, as an independent candidate, but like Marjorie, she also did not get enough votes after finishing 16th in the seat and garnering 7,480 votes.

It can be recalled that the issue between the two recently came to light after the wedding of their daughter Claudia Barretto. Marjorie could not refrain from speaking out after Dennis’ rant post on social media, that she was not the one who walked her son to the altar.

Meanwhile, there has been no statement from the two yet.