The 2025 elections surprised many Filipinos in the best way. From political comebacks and reelection bids to the fall of dynasties and the rise of a stronger opposition, here are the Halalan highlights everyone will be talking about for days.

Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan make senatorial comeback

Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan secured senatorial seats, a powerful comeback that defied pre-election surveys, indicating a growing opposition force.

The results were a pleasant surprise, even for Pangilinan, who said he knew he needed a miracle to win. “We didn’t expect this kind of result, because based on all surveys, we’re always not in the Top 12. And therefore, we were surprised,” he said in an interview.

Former senator Aquino, now the second most-voted senator, said even he didn’t have dreams of being part of the top senators. “Parang wala kaming pangarap na mag-top. Ito pong number na ito [#2], talagang napaka-unexpected talaga siya. Seseryosohin namin itong pagbigay ng vote of confidence ng taumbayan satin,” he said.

Leni Robredo and Vico Sotto win mayoral race

Former vice president Leni Robredo makes history as the first female mayor of Naga City. Her landslide win secured her more than 84,000 votes against her rivals Toots De Quiros, Louie Ortega, and Ganda Abrazado.

Meanwhile, in Pasig City, Vico Sotto was re-elected, garnering over 345,375 votes and counting against Sarah Discaya’s 29,104, with his entire slate also winning.

Luke Espiritu doubles his vote count from 2022

Maraming salamat sa lahat nang sumuporta at nagkampanya: mula sa Team Luke, volunteers, PLM at kaanib na orgs., kabataan hanggang sa pamilya. Mula 3M+ noong 2022 naging 6M+ nitong 2025, halos doble. Di matatawaran ang pwersang ito kontra dinastiya. Dapat manginig na sila. Tuloy… pic.twitter.com/AsVmM0fPBL

— Luke Espiritu (@LukeEspirituPH) May 12, 2025

While he failed to secure a spot in the senate, lawyer and labor leader Luke Espiritu was delighted to find out that his vote count doubled from 2022. “Mula 3M+ noong 2022 naging 6M+ nitong 2025, halos doble. Di matatawaran ang pwersang ito kontra dinastiya. Dapat manginig na sila. Tuloy ang laban!” he wrote on social media.

“I truly believe that the time will come when the Filipino people will see your worth in the Senate. We stood by you, Atty. Luke Espiritu — we voted for you, we campaigned for you, and we will continue to stand with you until you secure your rightful seat in the legislature,” responded one of his followers.

Akbayan tops party-list race

In partial, unofficial counts, Akbayan party-list leads with 2.7 million votes, narrowly ahead of Duterte Youth’s 2.6 million. This result is a pleasant surprise, given Akbayan’s prior 0.5% showing in Pulse Asia and Social Weather Stations polls. If these results hold, Akbayan is set to secure at least one seat in the House of Representatives.

Danilo Ramos and Ronnel Arambulo obtained millions of votes

Nananawagan ako sa lahat ng magsasaka at mamamayang Pilipino: gamitin natin ang ating boto para sa pagbabago. Ipaglaban ang ating seguridad sa pagkain, karapatan sa lupa, suporta sa agrikultura, at disenteng kabuhayan. Ihalal ang mga kandidatong tunay na kasama sa pakikibaka. pic.twitter.com/ypQKBs63Ww

— Danilo “Ka Daning” Ramos (@kadaningramos) May 10, 2025

Despite not securing spots in the Top 12, Pinoys are still in awe of Danilo Ramos and Ronnel Arambulo’s results. Ramos, a farmer and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) activist, and Arambulo, a fisherman and environmental activist, are both first-timers in the senatorial race

According to the partial and unofficial count, they garnered 4 million and 3.7 million votes and counting, respectively.

“Mga kababayan, maraming salamat sa inyong suporta sa iba’t ibang kaparaanan, milyon-milyon na bumoto sa akin (54) at Makabayang Koalisyon. Umasa po kayo, patuloy kaming kikilos, kasama kayo, para sa kagalingan-interes ng taumbayan,” wrote a grateful Ramos on social media.

Cynthia Villar loses congressional seat to Mark Anthony Santos

DAVID VS. GOLIATH

WATCH: Mark Anthony Santos wins Las Piñas congressional race, ending the Villar family’s hold on the seat since 1992.

He secured 109,220 votes, defeating Senator Cynthia Villar.

In an interview, Santos says it’s time to move on and his priority now is to… pic.twitter.com/NeZ0wLnO4D

— NewsWatch Plus PH (@newswatchplusph) May 13, 2025

In a surprising turn of events, independent candidate Mark Anthony Santos topped Senator Cynthia Villar, securing the lone congressional seat in Las Pinas. Santos garnered 115,757 votes, compared to Villar’s 83,975.

“About time we moved away from political dynasties. Hopefully, other legislative districts, cities and provinces followed suit,” wrote one Pinoy on X (formerly Twitter).

Benjamin Magalong reelected in Baguio

Baguio City’s Benjamin Magalong secured his third and final term as mayor, winning over mayoral aspirant and incumbent congressman Mark Go. Go’s wife, Sol Go, was also unsuccessful in the congressional race, losing to seasoned Baguio politician Mauricio Domogan.

“The people of Baguio have spoken, and with deep humility and gratitude, I thank each and every one of you for making your voices heard,” wrote Magalong on social media.

“This victory is not mine alone; it is a victory for every Baguio resident who believes in honest governance, inclusive leadership, and a vision for a better, more progressive city. Salamat kadakayo amin for your trust, your courage, and your love for our city,” he added.

Pam Baricuatro is Cebu’s new governor

Pam Baricuatro to be proclaimed as the next Cebu Governor, the biggest upset of the 2025 cycle.
Sunstar Cebu pic.twitter.com/g2oD9Y1WmW

— ELECTION HQ 2025 (@DeusXMachina14) May 13, 2025

Incumbent Cebu governor Gwen Garcia’s dreams of running for her sixth term as governor were challenged by her rival, Pam Baricuatro, who got over 1 million votes to Garcia’s 700,000+. The win was a surprise to many Cebuanos.

“Cebu governor Gwen Garcia losing by this much, despite being incumbent, was not in my 2025 election bingo card!” wrote one on X.

“Gwen Garcia has a chokehold on Cebu, but she lost (tremendously),” wrote another. “Just when we start to abandon hope and feel like the system is broken, we are reminded that hope remains eternal. And power resides in the people.”

Remember how down many Filipinos felt in 2022? This time, even with some losses and disappointments, many Filipinos are happy to see the opposition gaining ground, and the youth really coming out to vote for candidates who resonate with them.

“Little by little, the Philippines has awakened,” read one viral post. “This is better than what we were able to achieve in the last election. This is the ‘malayo pa pero malayo na’ that we need.. Unti-unti nagigising na tayo, and can I just say – accept it or not – the youths are doing most of the magic.’

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