Robin Padilla, Arjo Atayde, and other celebrities leading the election polls
The results of the 2022 national elections are slowly coming to light.
With the Commission on Elections sharing unofficial and partial results of the presidential and vice presidential polls as early as the night of May 9, local election results are also steadily being shown.
Did you know that a number of celebrities also filed their certificates of candidacies last October? While votes are still being finalized, here's a running list of personalities who are poised to become both new and re-elected government officials due to their wide margin leads.
Robin Padilla - Senator
The action star has been taking the top spot on the Magic 12 senatorial list with over 25,594,154 votes. He has been a consistent survey favorite, also placing first in Pulse Asia's senatorial surveys. He has no prior lawmaking experience.
In an Instagram post on May 10, Robin's wife, Mariel, showed support for her husband.
"My Senator is #1 [crying face emojis]. we are beyond grateful!!!" Mariel wrote alongside a selfie with Robin. "Pilipinas, maraming maraming salamat."
Raffy Tulfo, Senator
The radio personality is currently in third place on the senatorial race with a total partial result of 22,589,291 votes. He sought a senate seat to address the "broken system in government."
Arjo Atayde - 1st district representative, Quezon City
Arjo is set to make his political debut as a congressman for the first district of Quezon City. He was up against reelectionist congressman Onyx Crisologo.
He is backed by the party of winning mayor Joy Belmonte. Prior to campaigning, Arjo had been donating service vehicles to the city amid the pandemic.
Lani Mercado - 2nd district representative, Cavite
The incumbent Bacoor, Cavite mayor is setting her sights as a second district representative of the city. She is currently leading against independent candidates Jose Japson and George Ber Ado.
Angelu De Leon - Councilor, Pasig City
The 90s actress is currently leading the Pasig City poll results as a first-time council. She is under the same slate as re-elected mayor, Vico Sotto.
In an Instagram post, Angelu shared her many election firsts: "First time to run as councilor. First time to feel all those emotions. First time to wait for 3hrs para bumoto. No complains. Alam ko worth it ito lalong lalo na para sa pamilya ko."
"Para sa Pasig."
Jhong Hilario - 1st district councilor, Makati
The comedian and singer is aiming for a re-election.
"Maraming maraming salamat po sa lahat ng patuloy na nagmamahal at sumusuporta," he wrote. "Patuloy po ang pagseserbisyo ng Hilario."
Nash Aguas - Councilor, Cavite City
The 23-year-old will enter his first foray into politics as a Cavite City councilor. The former child actor is under the Lakas-CMD slate. He ranks second out of the 10 council seats with 29,600 votes.
Yul Servo - Vice mayor, Manila
Yul Servo is slated to become the next Manila City vice mayor, following in the footsteps of fellow actor and former Mayor, Isko Domagoso Moreno. Yul bested fellow actor, Raymond Bagatsing, for the position.
Jason Abalos - Board member, 2nd district of Nueva Ecija
Jason is set to continue his father's legacy as a board member of their hometown. On the day he filed his COC, he also credited his father.
“Nag file po ako ng COC kaninang umaga para ituloy ang nasimulan ng aking Ama (Popoy Abalos) sa pagka bokal sa ating District 2 sa Nueva Ecija,” Jason said.
“Malaking hamon ang pandemyang ito para sa mga Señor Citizen kaya po napag desisyunan namin na ako na ang magtatrabaho para po sa ating mga kababayan."
Lucy Torres-Gomez - Mayor, Ormoc City
The showbiz-turned-political tandem of Lucy and Richard proved to be fruitful this national election. Lucy is poised to succeed her husband as the mayor of Leyte's Ormoc City after exhausting her three terms as congresswoman.
Richard Gomez - Congressman, Leyte
Meanwhile, Richard will take Lucy's previous post in the House of Representatives. Richard also won the 2016 and 2019 mayoralty races in Ormoc, before giving way to his wife.