As the 2025 Philippine elections draw closer, a wave of familiar faces from the entertainment industry is gearing up to make their mark on the political stage. Celebrities who have long captured the hearts of millions through film, television, and social media are now positioning themselves for a role in the country’s political future. However, behind their public support for candidates or their own political ambitions, the election landscape is proving to be much more complex than it appears.

The situation is far from straightforward, with secret alliances, hidden rivalries, and shocking power plays taking shape as these well-known figures navigate the high-stakes world of politics. The Philippine electorate, known for its deep ties to pop culture, is now witnessing the drama unfold as celebrities and politicians lock horns in a fight for influence and power. The dynamics at play are a mix of personal agendas, strategic moves, and a deep desire to secure political positions that could shape the nation for years to come.

The Rise of Celebrity Politicians in the Philippines

The Philippines has seen its fair share of celebrity politicians over the years, from actors-turned-senators to beauty queens becoming governors. The rise of celebrity involvement in politics isn’t new, but with the 2025 elections just around the corner, more and more celebrities are stepping into the political arena with unprecedented ambition.

What makes this cycle even more intriguing is the level of power plays and hidden strategies at play, particularly among those who already have solid political backgrounds and the backing of influential figures.

Vice Ganda: The Outspoken Advocate with a Hidden Agenda?

One of the most visible and influential celebrities in the Philippines, Vice Ganda, has been outspoken on a range of social issues. Known for his humor and unfiltered personality, Vice has used his platform to advocate for the marginalized, LGBTQ+ rights, and progressive causes. However, the comedian and television host’s political endorsement carries a deeper implication.

Behind Vice’s public endorsements lies a strategic mind working on aligning with candidates who could further his vision for a more inclusive and progressive country. According to sources close to the star, Vice’s support is not just about spreading awareness; it’s also about forming strategic alliances that could give him a stronger foothold in the political world, should he ever choose to run for office himself in the future.

“Vice has been positioning himself as a key influencer in the elections. His charm and large following make him a critical player in swaying votes. But don’t be surprised if Vice decides to throw his hat into the ring for 2025,” a political insider shared.

While Vice’s popularity may seem like the perfect asset for any political campaign, the celebrity’s hidden agenda is one that could change the political landscape in the years to come.

Robin Padilla: Power Moves in the Senate and Beyond

Already a senator, Robin Padilla is a celebrity who has seamlessly transitioned into politics. His win in 2022 was a significant moment, as it proved the influence of entertainment figures in the political sphere. However, the drama surrounding Padilla’s political alliances has been brewing behind the scenes, with rivalries forming as he becomes more entrenched in the political scene.

Sources indicate that Padilla’s backroom deals and hidden alliances are designed to secure power in the next election cycle. His ability to reach millions of voters through his celebrity status continues to work in his favor, but critics suggest that his increasingly aggressive political strategies could create tension with other established politicians.

“Robin has been quietly building a network of supporters, and he’s not afraid to use his connections to advance his career. While he’s out in the public eye, there’s a whole different game being played behind closed doors,” a source close to Padilla’s camp said.

Lea Salonga: A Voice for Integrity, but with a Complex Agenda

Lea Salonga, one of the Philippines’ most respected international stars, has long been a vocal advocate for social justice, transparency, and good governance. As an influential figure, Lea’s political endorsements are taken seriously, especially by those who admire her stance on human rights and democracy.

However, despite her clear stance on key issues, many have begun to question the strategic alliances Lea may be forming for the upcoming elections. Sources suggest that the Broadway star might be closely aligned with progressive political factions, hoping to shape the country’s future by supporting candidates who prioritize transparency and reform.

“Lea’s support has always been about integrity. However, as the 2025 elections approach, she might be playing a much more calculated role. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes maneuvering that could surprise many,” said a political analyst familiar with the celebrity’s career.

Lea’s position in the upcoming election will not just reflect her personal views but will also be a critical power play that could influence which progressive candidates succeed.

The Hidden Rivalries: Celebrities Eyeing Political Power

Beyond the alliances, what’s truly fueling the drama of the 2025 elections are the hidden rivalries between these celebrity politicians and established political figures. As they continue to make their moves, celebrities are positioning themselves not just as advocates, but as contenders for political offices, creating tension between those already in power and those who are looking to gain influence.

For instance, some political insiders have hinted at a secret rivalry between Vice Ganda and Robin Padilla. Both have massive followings, but while Vice aims to push for social change, Robin’s focus is more on reforming the country’s policies and laws. This divide between progressive and traditional values could lead to a power struggle that plays out in both public campaigns and private negotiations.

“It’s not just about endorsing candidates anymore. It’s about positioning for power. There’s a lot of backdoor politics going on,” another insider revealed.

The Shockwaves of Celebrity Influence on the 2025 Elections

As the 2025 elections approach, it’s clear that celebrities are no longer just endorsing candidates; they’re also becoming power brokers in their own right. Their influence is shaping the political narrative, and their alliances and rivalries could ultimately decide the fate of many political candidates.

While the public watches from the sidelines, the true battle for power is happening in the shadows — where hidden alliances, secret deals, and strategic positioning will determine who comes out on top. The stakes have never been higher, and the drama is just beginning.

The question remains: who will emerge victorious from this tangled web of celebrity influence and political maneuvering? Only time will tell as the 2025 Philippine elections draw nearer.

Celebrities with family ties to run in 2025 Elections
A big advantage for celebrities is their popularity and influence among the masses to enter the world of politics.

That is why when it is time to file candidacies during elections, it is not new for some personalities from the country’s famous showbiz clans to join to try their luck in the field of public service.

With the start of the submission of certificates of candidacy (COC) on Tuesday, October 1, for the national and local elections to be held on May 12, 2025, there are first-timers and some celebrities who will also run again to return to their positions in government.

Meet them in this gallery. Star for All Seasons and former house representative Vilma Santos-Recto will run again for governor of Batangas, a position she occupied from 2007 to 2016, in the mid-term elections next year. Her two sons, Luis Manzano and Ryan Recto, also filed their certificates of candidacy. Luis will run as his mother’s running mate for vice governor of Batangas, while Ryan will run as a representative of the sixth district of the said city under the Nacionalista Party. Actor Arjo Atayde formally filed his certificate of candidacy for his re-run as a representative of the first district of Quezon City. Gab Atayde
Arjo Atayde’s cousin Gabriel Atayde will run for councilor of the first district of Quezon City.

Tito Sotto
After his three-year hiatus from politics, TV host and former senate president Tito Sotto will try again for his fifth senate term after filing a COC for the 2025 elections. He is part of the senatorial slate of the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos.Gian Sotto
TIto Sotto’s son Gian Sotto has filed his candidacy as vice mayor to Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte for the upcoming elections next year.Bong Revilla
Bong Revilla will run again for senator in the 2025 May elections under the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party.Lani Mercado-Revilla
Incumbent Cavite District 2 Representative Lani Mercado-Revilla has filed her certificate of candidacy for her re-election.Jolo Revilla
Bong Revilla and Lani Mercado’s son Jolo Revilla has also filed his candidacy for his re-election in the upcoming elections as representative of the first district of CaviteRichard Gomez and Lucy Torres-Gomez
Celebrity couple Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres-Gomez will try their hand at politics again after formally submitting their certificate of candidacy.Richard Gomez
Goma will run again as representative of the fourth district of Leyte.Lucy Torres
Lucy Torres-Gomez has filed for a second term as mayor of Ormoc City.Manny Pacquiao
After losing the presidential election in 2022, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao will run for senator again. He is part of the senatorial slate of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos’ Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas after filing his candidacy.Michael Pacquiao
The 22-year-old son of reelectionist Manny Pacquiao, Michael Stephen Pacquiao, has also filed his certificate of candidacy for councilor of General Santos City. He will run under the People’s Champ Movement, a local political party, along with his aunt, incumbent Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao, who is seeking re-election as mayor of GenSan for a second term. Lorelie is the wife of Barangay Mayor Alberto “Bobby” Pacquiao of Labangal, GenSan, who is the younger brother of the “Pambansang Kamao.”Alfred Vargas
Actor Alfred Vargas will try again for the position of councilor of the fifth district of Quezon City.PM Vargas
Alfred Vargas’ brother Patrick Michael “PM” Vargas will run again as the representative of the fifth district of Quezon City for his second term.Abi Viduya
Jomari Yllana’s wife Abi Viduya has filed her candidacy to become a member of the Parañaque City council for the first district of the city.Ryan Yllana
Jomari Yllana’s younger brother Ryan Yllana will run as District 2 councilor of Parañaque City.Yeoj Marquez
Alma Moreno and Joey Marquez’s eldest son Yeoj Marquez has filed his candidacy for the position of councilor of the first district of Parañaque City.Jeremy Marquez
Joey Marquez’s son Kap. Jeremy Marquez of Bgy. BF Homes, Parañaque also filed his certificate of candidacy as the first nominee of the Solo Parents party-list