Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey confirms what many political analysts have long feared—Filipinos continue to elect traditional politicians based on name recall rather than competence, integrity, or actual service to the nation. Eight senatorial candidates backed by the Marcos administration are dominating the race, with ACT-CIS Representative Erwin Tulfo leading the pack at 45%, followed by former Senate President Tito Sotto at 38%.
But the biggest surprise in the survey is the dramatic rise of former Senator Lito Lapid, a known action star turned politician, who jumped from 11th place in December 2024 (23%) to 3rd-4th place at 37%, tied with Senator Bong Go, a longtime Duterte ally. This reflects a disturbing trend—voters are still drawn to popularity over credentials, ignoring questionable track records and past controversies.
The survey, commissioned by Stratbase Group, was conducted from January 17 to 20, 2025, with 1,800 registered voters.
The Same Names, The Same Problems
The Marcos-backed senatorial lineup, dubbed "Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas", includes a mix of reelectionists, former senators, and political dynasties:
Erwin Tulfo – Former DSWD secretary with a history of accountability issues.
Tito Sotto – Former Senate President, comedian, and songwriter, who was once criticized for dismissing plagiarism allegations.
Lito Lapid – Action star-turned-senator with a minimal legislative record.
Bong Go – Duterte’s right-hand man, criticized for his unquestioning loyalty to the former president.
Imee Marcos – Daughter of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., linked to corruption controversies.
Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. – Plunder case dismissed but still required to return P124 million in public funds.
Francis Tolentino – Known more for political maneuvering than impactful legislation.
Pia Cayetano – Part of the influential Cayetano dynasty.
Makati City Mayor Abby Binay – Another dynasty-backed candidate.
Benhur Abalos – Former DILG Secretary, linked to questionable deals.
Camille Villar – Another Villar family dynasty member.
Manny Pacquiao – Boxing legend turned politician, known for absenteeism in Congress.
This list reads like a who’s who of Philippine political dynasties, proving once again that voters prioritize familiarity and entertainment value over competence and governance.
A Never-Ending Cycle of Mistakes
It seems Filipinos have not learned their lesson. Time and again, voters elect candidates who are popular, controversial, or simply have a recognizable last name, even if their political records are full of corruption allegations, incompetence, or policy failures.
This blind loyalty to traditional politicians has kept the Philippines trapped in a cycle of economic struggles, poor governance, and weak institutions. Instead of electing fresh, competent leaders with a real vision for change, we recycle the same names and expect different results.
The situation becomes even more chaotic with the return of Rodrigo Duterte and his family. The former president, along with his sons, has declared his intention to run for Senate, setting up a potential political showdown between the Marcos and Duterte dynasties. What should be a battle of platforms and policies will likely turn into another clash of egos and power grabs, leaving the Filipino people as collateral damage.
Meanwhile, Leila de Lima, a former senator and fierce Duterte critic who was jailed under trumped-up charges, is seeking a political comeback under the Mamamayang Liberal party. While she was acquitted, her struggle shows how easily political power can be weaponized against those who challenge the status quo.
What’s at Stake in the 2025 Elections?
The 2025 midterm elections will determine the composition of the Senate, which plays a crucial role in passing laws that shape the country's future. However, if voters continue choosing candidates based on popularity instead of capability, the Philippines will once again suffer from:
Weak policies that fail to address poverty, inflation, and corruption.
A legislative body filled with self-serving traditional politicians.
A government run by dynasties instead of qualified public servants.
A widening gap between rich and poor, as powerful families maintain control.
The question remains: Will Filipinos finally break free from this vicious cycle, or will they once again choose familiarity over real change?
The future of the nation depends on it.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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