In the Philippines, no one bats an eye when a beloved celebrity tries their hand at politics. We’ve seen it happen time and time again: a favorite actor, long known for their career in front of the camera, (temporarily) bids the silver screen goodbye for a shot at public office. Superstars in our country tend to be reincarnated as major-player politicians.
But it is our country’s Senate that seems to have consistently held seats for celebrities. Since the first senator was elected to the Senate — actor Rogelio dela Rosa back in the late 1950s — the number of celebrities serving in the upper house of Congress has steadily increased. According to data found on the Senate’s website, the current session as of the time of writing — the 19th congress — has five celebrities holding senatorial roles, the highest number to date.
However, winning a senatorial seat is not as easy as it first appears to be. While many celebrities have fought for a starring role in the Senate, few have actually won the race. Senatorial aspirants like actors Richard Gomez, Cesar Montano, Monsour del Rosario, among others, have tried and failed to secure a spot amongst the country’s legislative elite. Each campaign cycle brings with it a new batch of celebrities, with next year’s elections seeing eight confirmed public figures throwing themselves into the ring.
With the 2025 midterm elections just around the corner, we look back on the famous people who have traded their spotlights for a senatorial seat.
Tito Sotto
- Running for Senate in 2025
- Terms in Senate: 4 (1992, 2004, 2010, and 2016)
Vicente Castelo “Tito” Sotto III has long been a fixture on both the TV screen and in the Senate. Fans first knew Sotto as a member of the iconic comedy trio TVJ and as one of the pioneer hosts of Eat Bulaga!, the country’s longest-running noontime variety show. Sotto made the leap into the Senate in 1992 and has since served for a total of 24 years. During the Duterte presidency, Sotto served as Senate majority floor leader before taking on the role of Senate president.
Bong Revilla
- Incumbent, running for Senate in 2025
- Terms in Senate: 3 (2004, 2010, and 2019)
Born to celeb-also-turned-senator Ramon Revilla Sr., Ramon Bautista “Bong” Revilla Jr. rose to prominence in the movie industry by starring in action blockbusters like Ang Panday. Although he made the shift to politics in 2004, he continues to make appearances in film and television. Revilla, along with his siblings, children, and wife, comprise one of the largest political dynasties in the country. He was implicated in the 2013 pork barrel scam but was acquitted in 2021 of 16 counts of graft over his alleged involvement.
Lito Lapid
- Incumbent, running for Senate in 2025
- Terms in Senate: 3 (2004, 2010, and 2019)
Manuel “Lito” Mercado Lapid began his acting career in the late 1960s as a stuntman, then later as a film actor — like his uncle, action star Jess Lapid. Starring in blockbusters such as Tapang sa Tapang, Lapid continues to star in popular shows like Ang Probinsyano and Batang Quiapo. As a Senator, Lapid is mainly credited for co-authoring the Free Legal Assistance Act of 2010, which grants financial incentives to lawyers who provide pro bono legal services to clients.
Manny Pacquiao
- Running for Senate in 2025
- Terms in Senate: 1 (2016)
Everyone knows PacMan for his illustrious boxing career. Having gone toe-to-toe with powerhouses like Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, and Floyd Mayweather Jr. He made the switch to senatorial politics in 2016, running under former President Rodrigo Duterte’s party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino. Pacquiao famously had the lowest attendance record during the final session of the 17th Congress. In 2021, Pacquiao filed his candidacy for the 2022 presidential election but lost the race to current President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Jinggoy Estrada
- Incumbent
- Terms in Senate: 3 (2004, 2010, and 2022)
Jose “Jinggoy” Pimentel Ejercito Jr. is no stranger to a life of film and politics. Son of action star and former President Joseph Ejercito “Erap” Estrada, Jinggoy’s filmography goes back as early as 1985. First elected in 2004, Jinggoy has been a mainstay in the Senate. He currently holds the position of president pro tempore in the Senate, a title he has held several times in previous terms. In 2024, Estrada was also acquitted of plunder related to the 2013 pork barrel scam.
Erap Estrada
- Terms in Senate: 1 (1987)
Before his political career, Erap Estrada was a well-known actor and producer in the Philippines. He became a leading figure in the local film industry during the 1970s and 1980s, starring in over 100 films and creating a tough guy persona, who defends the poor against a corrupt establishment. He was elected to the Senate in 1987, but he is better known for serving as the country’s 13th President — a term which ended with him facing serious allegations of corruption and being overthrown by the second EDSA Revolution.
Ramon Revilla Sr.
- Terms in Senate: 2 (1992 and 1998)
Ramon Revilla Sr. was a prominent actor before entering politics, known for his roles in action-packed films, such as Hulihin si Tiagong Akyat and Nardong Putik, which often depicted him as a heroic figure. He appeared in over 150 films, earning him the title of “The King of Philippine Movies.” He first entered the Senate in 1992 and cultivated a senatorial career that lasted 12 years.
Freddie Webb
- Terms in Senate: 2 (1992 and 1998)
Before entering Philippine politics, Freddie Webb was known as a sportsman and TV personality. He was a member of the YCO Painters team in the 1970s and was part of the Philippine basketball team in the 1972 Munich Olympics. In 1992, he was elected as Senator for a six-year term.
Rogelio dela Rosa
- Terms in Senate: 1 (1957)
Rogelio de la Rosa was a Filipino actor and matinée idol during the 1940s and 1950s. Known for his roles in romantic dramas and musicals, dela Rosa had a strong group of supporters that adored him in films such as Ligaw na Bulaklak. He won the senatorial race in 1957.
