Showbiz showdown: Celebrities step into politics ahead of 2025 Elections

Metro Manila, Philippines — The 2025 election season is officially underway with the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for national and local positions.

With over 18,000 seats up for grabs, a number of celebrities are making the leap from the limelight to the political arena.

Here’s a recap of the star-studded aspirants on the first day of COC filing, where glitz and glamor meet governance.

Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando and Vice Governor Alex Castro, both former actors, are seeking reelection in the province.

“Pinapaubaya namin sa Diyos ang lahat, kasi lahat ng tao may mga pangarap kanya-kanya, pero sa amin, kailangan Diyos ang mangarap para sa amin,” Fernando shared in an interview.

Meanwhile, actor Marco Gumabao submitted his C-O-C at the provincial office in Camarines Sur. He will be running as the 4th District Representative of Camarines Sur.

Enzo Pineda has entered the 2025 race for Quezon City’s 5th District councilor. Pineda was accompanied by his girlfriend, Michelle Vito, during his filing of candidacy.

Veteran actor Emilio Garcia is aiming for the mayoral post in Bay, Laguna, where he will challenge incumbent Mayor Jose Padrid in next year’s polls.

Director and actor David Chua also filed his candidacy for councilor of Manila’s 2nd District. Vlogger Rosmarie Tan Pamumulaklakin seeks a councilor seat in Manila’s 1st District.

Quezon City 1st District Representative Arjo Atayde has filed his candidacy for another term. He was accompanied by his mother, Sylvia Sanchez, and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte at the Comelec NCR Office.

This is a developing story.