The 2025 Senate Race: Are Filipinos Stuck in a Cycle of Choosing the Wrong Leaders?

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.

Nostalgia of the 90s and 2000s: Video City, CD-R King, and the Loss of a Collection to Typhoon Ondoy

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

"Mas addict kami sa Video City rentals at collecting Marvel and DC comics plus graphical novels. 

Noong mauso ang CD-writers around year 2000, more on CD-R and CD-RWs ang collection of MP3s ko..some burned from original audio CDs...but for movies, bumibili talaga ako ng original or nanghihiram sa mga friends at classmates para kopyahin ko on CDs... Lahat yata ng CD-R King designs ay nabili ko na..sangkatutak pa kung bumili ako.

Lahat ay nasira dahil nabaha noong Ondoy noong 2009."

During the 1990s and early 2000s, renting movies from Video City and collecting Marvel and DC comics, along with graphic novels, were an integral part of many Filipinos’ lives. These activities brought entertainment and joy to countless people.

Video City: The Nation’s Favorite Video Rental Shop

Founded in 1986 by Viva Home Entertainment, Video City became the go-to destination for movie lovers in the Philippines. At its peak in the 2000s, it had nearly 300 branches nationwide. Its affordable rental fees and vast collection of films—from local classics to international blockbusters—made it incredibly popular.

However, the rise of pirated VCDs and DVDs, followed by high-speed internet and streaming services, led to its decline. By 2015, Video City closed its remaining branches, marking the end of an era in the Philippine video rental industry. (PLDTHome.com)

CD-R King: The King of Affordable Technology

CD-R King made its mark in 1997 as the go-to store for affordable CD-Rs and CD-RWs, which were the popular storage media of that time. Over the years, the company expanded its product line to include various electronic gadgets, computer accessories, and more.

Many people were drawn to their low prices and wide variety of products. However, with the rise of e-commerce platforms like Lazada and Shopee, along with the availability of higher-quality products at competitive prices, CD-R King’s popularity declined. By 2020, most of its branches had shut down, signaling the end of its operations. (Wikipedia)

The Tragedy of Typhoon Ondoy

On September 26, 2009, Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) struck Metro Manila and nearby provinces, causing massive flooding. Countless homes were submerged, and along with them, collections of comics, graphic novels, and other valuable possessions were lost. This disaster was a heartbreaking loss for collectors and served as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding treasured items.

Looking Back and Keeping the Passion Alive

While technology and media consumption have evolved, the love for comics and films remains strong among many Filipinos. Today, digital copies of favorite comics and movies are readily available on various online platforms. However, the nostalgia of renting movies at Video City, collecting comics, and buying gadgets from CD-R King remains a cherished part of Philippine pop culture history.

Garin Reveals Pressure to Implicate Aquino in Dengvaxia Controversy: A Political Motive Unveiled

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a revealing interview on January 28, 2025, House Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin spoke candidly about the intense pressure she faced to implicate former President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III in the Dengvaxia vaccine controversy. This marks the first time Garin has openly shared the emotional toll and political dynamics surrounding the investigation.

The controversy, which began in 2017, revolves around the controversial rollout of the Dengvaxia vaccine—developed by Sanofi Pasteur—during the Aquino administration. The vaccine was initially hailed as a breakthrough in the fight against dengue but became a lightning rod for public outcry after concerns arose about its safety, leading to claims that it could worsen the condition in people who had never been infected by the virus. A series of adverse events, including the deaths of several children, sparked public fear and political backlash.

During the Duterte administration, Garin, who was then the Health Secretary, found herself at the center of the storm. In her interview, Garin recounted how she and others involved in the vaccine’s introduction were subjected to intense scrutiny. The most significant revelation came when Garin disclosed that she was coerced into signing an affidavit that would have directly linked the former president to the vaccine's problematic implementation. According to Garin, the pressure was intense, and the allegations against Aquino were entirely unfounded.

"When I was being investigated in the Senate, it felt as though they were treating me like a criminal when I had done nothing wrong. They were pushing us to sign an affidavit that would point to PNoy, but we couldn’t do it because it wasn’t true," Garin said emotionally.

The Political Underpinnings

The Dengvaxia scandal became deeply politicized, with Garin being blamed for approving the vaccine without adequate testing. However, it was clear that the investigation wasn’t just about public health; it was also about scoring political points. Garin’s revelations shed light on the political maneuvering behind the scenes during the Duterte administration. Garin accused certain individuals, including Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Chief Persida Acosta, PAO Forensic Chief Edwin Erfe, and Dr. Anthony Leachon, of using taxpayer money to build cases against Filipino scientists.

Acosta, who has been vocal in accusing the Aquino administration of negligence in the vaccine rollout, had previously claimed that 166 deaths were linked to the vaccine. These claims sparked public outrage, despite a lack of conclusive evidence linking Dengvaxia to the deaths. According to Garin, the orchestrated efforts to implicate Aquino were politically motivated and designed to shift blame away from the administration that had approved the vaccine’s use.

The Emotional Toll

Garin also shared the personal toll the investigation took on her and her family. She spoke about how the Senate investigations affected her father, who suffered a stroke during the course of the inquiries. Garin emphasized that while she was being portrayed as a scapegoat for the controversial vaccine, the emotional strain was exacerbated by the attacks on her integrity and public image.

"It's difficult to be falsely accused of something you didn’t do. The stress it caused, not only to me but to my family, was overwhelming," Garin said, visibly emotional during the interview.

A Call for Accountability

In light of these revelations, Garin has called for accountability not just for those who politicized the Dengvaxia controversy but also for those who used the incident to further their own agendas. Garin’s admission also raises questions about the role of public officials and how political motivations can influence important public health decisions.

Her decision to speak out brings into focus the question of how science and public health initiatives can be manipulated for political gain, and how the public must remain vigilant to ensure that the real issues are addressed, rather than using crises to settle political scores.

The Broader Implications

The Dengvaxia issue serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of politicizing public health matters. It underscores the critical importance of transparency, accountability, and evidence-based policy-making, particularly in an era where misinformation and political polarization are rampant.

As for Garin, her testimony adds yet another layer to a complex and highly politicized controversy that has left many questions unanswered. With the public still divided on the issue, Garin’s revelations may be the key to unlocking the truth behind the Dengvaxia debacle, as well as a call to end the misuse of public health matters for political purposes.

The admission that the effort to implicate Aquino was politically motivated is a damning indictment of the forces at play during one of the most divisive health scandals in the country’s history. The hope now is that those responsible for manipulating the situation for political gain will be held accountable, and that the lessons learned will serve to protect future public health decisions from being tainted by similar motives.