More celebrities, beauty queens seek public office, reelection in 2025 polls
(From left) Nora Aunor, Marjorie Barretto, and Sam Verzosa. Images: John Eric Mendoza/INQUIRER.net, Instagram/@marjbarretto, Contributed photo
National artist Nora Aunor, former Caloocan city councilor Marjorie Barretto, as well as TV host and incumbent party-list representative Sam Verzosa have filed their respective certificate of candidacy (COC) for the 2025 midterm elections.
Aunor expressed her intent to secure a House seat after filing her COC as the second nominee for the People’s Champ party-list on Monday, October 7.
LOOK: Nora Aunor guns for House seat as she led the filing of the certificate of nomination and acceptance of People’s Champ party-list. #VotePH #2025Elections | @JEMendozaINQ pic.twitter.com/Qlv1z9c4fI
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) October 7, 2024
Barretto, on the other hand, announced her political comeback on Instagram to run anew as Caloocan councilor under the Aksyon at Malasakit political party.
“These past few months has been quite a journey… the thought of going back to public service after more than 10 years has been challenging, terrifying and exciting,” she wrote. “Grateful to Mayor Along Malapitan and Congressman Oca Malapitan for their trust and confidence in me. I have gained a renewed sense of purpose.”
Article continues after this advertisementView this post on Instagram
On the other hand, Verzosa is seeking the position of Manila City mayor as he filed his COC on Sunday, October 6. In a contributed video, Rhian Ramos’ boyfriend told his supporters at his party-list group that he vows to “fight corruption” in the country’s capital.
“Pormal ko nang tinatanggap ang hamon laban sa korupsyon at kahirapan (I formally accept the fight against corruption and poverty),” he said.
WATCH: Sam Verzosa said in a speech to his supporters that he vows to “fight corruption” after filing his certificate of candidacy for Manila mayor on Sunday, Oct. 6. #VotePH | 📹: Contributed video via @HMallorcaINQ
Follow https://t.co/EDjVS4ZXKk‘s election coverage at… pic.twitter.com/Q60ZW550eM
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) October 6, 2024
Other celebrities hoping to win their desired seats in public office are Ara Mina (Pasig City 2nd district councilor), Arron Villaflor (Tarlac 2nd district board member), Cai Cortez (Taytay, Rizal councilor), Aljur Abrenica (Angeles City, Pampanga councilor), Samantha Panlilio (Agimat partylist second nominee), and Philip Salvador (senator).
Meanwhile, Aiko Melendez will seek re-election as councilor in Quezon City’s 5th district. In a Facebook post, she said that she hopes to continue her brand of public service.
“Nangangako akong magbibigay ng mas mahusay na serbisyo sa publiko at maipagpatuloy ang Aksyon at Malasakit sa Distrito Singko. Samahan niyo po muli akong lumaban para sa layuning ito. Maraming salamat po! #1teAMtayo,” she wrote.
Another celebrity seeking re-election is Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2019 Leren Bautista who filed her COC for re-election as Los Baños councilor, as seen on her Instagram Story. Meanwhile, Miss Universe Philippines national director Shamcey Supsup is seeking a council seat at the Pasig City 1st district.
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@lerenmaebautista
Actor-turned-politician Ramon “Bong” Revilla” Jr. hoped to be reelected as senator, as he filed his COC at the Manila Hotel Tent.
WATCH: Senator Bong Revilla arrives at the Manila Hotel Tent City to file his certificate of candidacy for reelection. #VotePH #2025Elections | @dMorcosoINQ pic.twitter.com/L0aDqSGUf8
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) October 7, 2024
The final day of COC filing is scheduled on October. 8.
