Pinoy Sports Icons in Politics: May 2025 Election Results and Surprising Twists

In the high-stakes world of Philippine politics, Pinoy sports icons continue to draw massive public attention—not only on the court or in the ring but also at the ballot box. The May 2025 elections proved that while fame helps, voters now demand more than just name recognition.

Sa larangan ng pulitika, hindi na sapat ang pagiging kilala lamang. Ang mga kilalang atleta ng Pilipinas ay muling sumubok sa mundo ng serbisyo publiko nitong Mayo 2025, at ang resulta ay puno ng tagumpay at pagkabigla.

Athletes Turned Politicians: A Rising Trend

For years, the Philippines has seen Pinoy sports icons like Manny Pacquiao, Robert Jaworski, and Monsour del Rosario make the jump from sports to politics. Their influence, leadership skills, and nationwide recognition often translate into solid political support.

Hindi na bago sa mga Pilipino ang pagboto sa mga dating atleta. Mula sa boxing, basketball, at Olympics, ang mga ito ay ginagamit ang kanilang sports fame upang makapagsilbi sa bayan.

Senate Race Results

Tito Sotto’s Comeback Victory

A former national bowling champion and seasoned legislator, Tito Sotto made a successful Senate comeback. With over 12 million votes, he secured the 8th spot, proving that some Pinoy sports icons still carry massive political weight.

Nagbalik sa Senado si Tito Sotto, dala ang kanyang karanasan at celebrity appeal. Pumuwesto siya sa ika-8, patunay na nananatili pa rin ang kanyang hatak sa masa.

Manny Pacquiao’s Stunning Loss

Despite being a global boxing legend and former senator, Pacquiao failed to make it to the top 12, finishing 18th with 8.4 million votes. His defeat shows that even the most legendary Pinoy sports icon needs a stronger political narrative.

Nakakagulat ang pagkatalo ni Pacquiao, na kahit may dating karanasan bilang senador at presidential candidate, hindi na umabot sa Magic 12. Maaaring humina na ang kanyang political appeal, kahit nananatili siyang alamat sa sports.

Related article: Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios Is the Comeback Fight of the Decade

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Congressional Contests: Ups and Downs

Winners

• Franz Pumaren – former basketball coach and PBA player, won in Quezon City’s 3rd District.
  
• Richard Gomez – actor and athlete, victorious in Leyte’s 4th District.
  

Ang background nila sa leadership at matibay na koneksyon sa komunidad ang posibleng nagpanalo sa kanila.

Losers

• Eric Buhain, former swimmer, lost in Batangas to newcomer Leandro Leviste.
  
• Manny Lopez lost in Manila’s 1st District to Ernix Dionisio.
  

Mukhang mas pinili ng mga botante ang bagong mukha o ang may mas malalim na ugnayan sa grassroots level.

Local Government Wins and Losses

Big Wins

• Vergel Meneses – won a 3rd term as Mayor of Bulakan, Bulacan.
  
• Dodot Jaworski – re-elected Vice Mayor of Pasig City, dominating the vote count.
  

Ipinakita ng resulta na mahalaga pa rin ang local presence at tuloy-tuloy na serbisyo.

Painful Defeats

• Dondon Hontiveros lost in Cebu City to Tommy Osmeña.
  
• Monsour del Rosario lost in Makati to Kid Peña.
• James Yap, two-time PBA MVP, ay hindi successful sa kanyang pagbabalik sa political arena. Natalo siya sa pagka-councilor sa San Juan City.
  

Kahit sikat, hindi nila napigilan ang lakas ng mga political dynasties sa kani-kanilang lugar.

City Council Races: Some Wins, Some Woes

Winners Include:

• Gary David (Dinalupihan)
  
• Binky Favis (Parañaque)
  
• Jervy Cruz (Nampicuan)
  
• Jeric Teng (Gumaca)
  
• Junnie Navarro (Zamboanga)
  
• Elvis Tolentino (Marikina)
  
• Rebo Saguisag (Makati)
  

Ang kanilang kasikatan at community engagement ang posibleng susi sa panalo.

Tough Losses:

• Bong Alvarez (Manila)
  
• Bonel Balingit (Cebu)
  
• Danny Ildefonso (Urdaneta – 16th place)
  
• Gilbert Malabanan (San Pedro)
  
• Ian Alban (Manila)
  

Mukhang kailangan pa nilang palalimin ang kanilang political groundwork para makabawi.

Party-List Struggles

Sports-based groups failed to gain traction:

• 1PACMAN – 69th place
  
• MPBL (with Kenneth Duremdes and Jinkee Pacquiao) – 159th
  
• PBA Party-list – near bottom with only 28,401 votes
  

Despite their advocacy for sports, voters likely saw them lacking in solid, relatable platforms.

PH Political Climate and the Public's New Expectations

With tensions between the Marcos and Duterte factions, the electorate demanded more than celebrity. Substance, integrity, and clear plans were non-negotiables for many voters.

Hindi na sapat ang pagiging sikat—hinahanap ng taumbayan ang tunay na kakayahan, karanasan, at konkretong plano.

What This Means for Future Pinoy Sports Icons in Politics

The 2025 elections sent a loud message:
Being a Pinoy sports icon doesn’t guarantee electoral success.
Voters now expect:

• Clear policy platforms
  
• Community engagement
  
• Integrity and public service records
  

While the spotlight can bring attention, it's substance and service that win votes.

A New Era for Athlete-Politicians

The May 2025 elections showed both the promise and the pressure for Pinoy sports icons who enter politics. While some triumphed and upheld the tradition of athlete-leaders, others were reminded that politics is a different playing field.

Ang tunay na serbisyo ay higit pa sa pagiging sikat. Sa mga susunod na halalan, inaasahan ng taumbayan na ang kanilang mga idolo sa sports ay maging tunay na huwaran sa pamumuno.

OKBet, a top sports entertainment and betting platform, will continue monitoring how these Pinoy sports icons shape the political landscape. After all, in the Philippines—sports and politics are always in play.