Nearly 100 celebrities, social media personalities file COCs for Eleksyon 2025

A total of 91 celebrities and social media personalities have filed Certificates of Candidacy (COC) for the National and Local Elections in May 2025, as of October 8.

Citing data gathered by GMA Integrated News Research, Mav Gonzales reported on "24 Oras" Tuesday that 26 celebrities and social media personalities are running for senator or as nominees of party-list groups, while 65 are gunning for local positions.

While these candidates may have an advantage for their fame and online platforms, Atty. Ona Caritos, executive director of election watchdog Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE), noted that there's nothing wrong per se in celebrities and social media personalities running for elective posts.

The problem arises, per Caritos, when the vlogger or influencer has no platform.

"Kung wala namang plano, 'yung vlogger or influencer, nag-ba-bank lang sa kaniyang kasikatan or sa kaniyang influence, 'yan ang meron tayong problema or meron tayong concern," she said.

"Sana, aside sa criteria na sikat o kilala 'yung gusto natin i-boto, dapat alam natin kung ano 'yung plano, ano yung gusto niyang gawing programa kapag siya ay nanalo at nakaupo sa pwesto."

Meanwhile, Atty. John Rex Laudiangco, spokesperson of the Commission on Elections, emphasized the intention to level the playing field. This is why celebrities and social media personalities who run for elective posts are not allowed to have their movies shown throughout the campaign period.

"Kaya nga po kung ikaw ay artista, bawal ipalabas ang pelikula mo. Kung ikaw ay TV, radio o kaya po online personality, hindi ka na puwede magpatuloy ng iyong programa. Pati ang mga journalists pinagte-take ng leave of absence or mag-resign," said Laudiangco.

All candidates, including celebrities and personalities, are not allowed to endorse any products once the campaign period starts. They must also register their official social media accounts with Comelec so their posts won't be taken down and so their elections-related expenses can be monitored.

Per Laudiangco, the traditional limit expenditure is P3 per registered voter for candidates who belong to political parties, while independent candidates have a limit of P5 per voter.

He also reminded the public to be discerning not just of candidates but also of what they see on social media.

"Dahil sa pagkalat ng larangan ng social media mas madali rin po magpakalat ng disinformation, misinformation at malinformation. Sana po ang mga kababayan natin, OK lang po 'yan tignan niyo ang social media, pero magsuri rin po tayo," he said.

—CDC, GMA Integrated News