Election Profile

Personal Information

• Age and date of birth: 76 (June 1, 1948)
• Party: Independent
• Highest Educational Attainment: Master in Government Management, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (1995 - 1996)
• Highest Government Position Held: Senator

Summary

Stance on Key Issues

On Poverty, Controlling Inflation, and Jobs

• Pushing for the “Edukasyon Plus” program, providing free tuition, monthly allowance, and internship programs for students to reduce dropout rates and alleviate poverty.
• Vows to focus on providing employment opportunities and capacity building as an integral part of social welfare programs to minimize the need for subsidies.

On Fighting Graft and Corruption

• Proposes that all public officials be exempt from the Bank Secrecy Act to promote transparency.
• Calls for a stop to the overregulation of businesses, which he says has led to corruption by public officials demanding money under the table.

On the West Philippine Sea

• Advocates an independent foreign policy where the Philippines does not sway toward China or the United States but instead cooperates with regional nations that share similar interests.

On The Drug War

• Says that Duterte’s war on drugs was "prostituted" by a rewards system that incentivized authorities for every drug suspect captured.

On Disaster Preparedness

• Calls for a shift in disaster preparedness strategy from reactive to proactive to avoid only acting when calamities strike.
• Questions unspent funds for disaster risk reduction, stressing the need to use these funds for projects that boost resilience to catastrophes and emergencies.

Government Experience / Field of Expertise

• Chairman, PNP Foundation Inc. (2008 - present)
  
  
• Senator (2001 - 2013; 2016 - 2022)
  
  
  • Authored laws including:
    • RA 11055 - National ID Law
    • RA 11479 - The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020
    • RA 11469 - Bayanihan to Heal as One Act
    • RA 11053 - Anti-Hazing Law of 2018
    • RA 11709 - Strengthening Professionalism in the Armed Forces of the Philippines
    • RA 9485 - Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007
    • RA 10969 - Free Irrigation Act of 2018
• Presidential Assistant on Rehabilitation and Recovery (2013 - 2015)
  
  
• Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP) (Nov. 1999 - Jan. 2001)
  
  
• Chief, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (1998 - 2001)
  
  
• Project Officer, Special Project Alpha (1996 - 1997)
  
  
• Chief, Task Force Habagat, PACC (1992 - 1995)
  
  
• Provincial Director, Laguna, PNP (Feb - July 1992)
  
  
• Commander, Cebu Metrodiscom (1989 - 1992)
  
  
• Provincial Commander, Isabela PC (1988 - 1989)
  
  
• PC-INP Anti-Carapping Task Force (1986 - 1988)
  
  
• Metrocom Intelligence and Security Group (1971 - 1986)
  
  

Issues and Controversies

• 1995 Kuratong Baleleng Case:
  
  
  • Charged as principal suspect in the murder of 11 Kuratong Baleleng gang members, but the case was dismissed in 2012 due to lack of probable cause.
• Dacer-Corbito Case (2000 Murder Case):
  
  
  • Accused of orchestrating the murders of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver, Emmanuel Corbito.
  • Fled to Hong Kong in 2010 but later returned after the Court of Appeals cleared him of all charges.
  • Claimed he fled to avoid harassment from the Department of Justice and then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
• Allegations of Martial Law Torture:
  
  
  • Historian Alfred McCoy alleged that Lacson was part of an elite torture group during Martial Law, but Lacson has denied this.

Family Members in Government

• None

Election Profile

Personal Information

• Age and date of birth: 76 (March 14, 1948)
• Party: Reform PH Party
• Highest Educational Attainment: Master’s in Business Management, Asian Institute of Management (1981)
• Highest Government Position Held: Senator

Summary

Stance on Key Issues

On Poverty, Controlling Inflation, and Jobs

• Argues that government aid (ayuda) should be audited and distributed by government agencies, not credited to lawmakers whose role is legislation.
• Advocates for better wage regulation and a more accurate cost-of-living assessment across provinces.
• Emphasizes the need for accurate data on poverty thresholds for families to afford food, clothing, shelter, education, and tuition.
• Supports the end of contractualization and urges labor groups to organize better.

On Fighting Graft and Corruption

• Opposes a political dynasty ban, arguing that some political families serve well, but is against dynasties dominating local politics.
• Supports punishment for turncoat politicians who switch parties for convenience.
• Advocates for public officials' statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN) to be made public.
• His Reform PH Party supports a national anti-corruption task force and a public accountability portal to report corruption.

On the West Philippine Sea

• Believes that “the Philippines doesn’t have an army, but the Philippines is an army”, meaning the country should prepare for threats.
• Supports amending Commonwealth Act #1 (National Defense Act) to modernize conscription policies, expand training, and increase the defense budget.

On The Drug War

• Opposes tokhang-style drug war.
• Against the death penalty for heinous crimes, including drug trafficking, stating “people will still kill each other, even if killing has been outlawed since the time of Jesus Christ”.

On Disaster Preparedness

• His Reform PH Party supports early warning systems and disaster management plans.
• Wants to strengthen the Office of Civil Defense and the AFP for disaster relief.

Government Experience / Field of Expertise

• Secretary, Department of Information and Communications Technology (2019 - 2021)
  
  
• Senator (1995 - 2004; 2017 - 2019)
  
  
  • Authored:
    • Clean Air Act (RA 8749)
    • Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003)
  • Co-authored:
    • Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (RA 10121)
  • Committee Chairman:
    • Agrarian Reform, Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, Public Information and Mass Media
  • Assistant Majority Leader, Commission of Appointments (2018 - 2019)
• Commandant - Special Operations School, Philippine Army Training Command, Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija (1986 - 1987)
  
  
• Chief of Security - Ministry of National Defense (1981 - 1987)
  
  
• Aide-de-Camp to Juan Ponce Enrile, Secretary of National Defense (1974 - 1986)
  
  

Issues and Controversies

• DICT Confidential Fund Scandal (2020)
  
  
  • Under Honasan’s leadership, the DICT spent ₱300 million in confidential funds for surveillance.
  • The COA and former DICT Undersecretary Eliseo Rio Jr. flagged fund disbursement irregularities.
• Graft Charges (2017)
  
  
  • Charged with two counts of graft for alleged misuse of a ₱30-million PDAF (2012).
  • Cleared of both charges in 2021.
• EDSA Revolution & RAM
  
  
  • As Chief Security Officer of Juan Ponce Enrile, Honasan led the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM), which withdrew support from Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in 1986.
  • RAM, composed mostly of junior military officers, attempted to overthrow Marcos, leading to the EDSA Revolution that installed Cory Aquino as president.
• Coup Attempts Against Aquino (1987 - 1989)
  
  
  • Led two of the bloodiest coup attempts against Cory Aquino.
  • Arrested in December 1987 for a failed August coup, where Benigno Aquino III was injured and three security men were killed.
  • Escaped from a prison ship in April 1988 with 13 guards.
  • Led another coup attempt in December 1989.
  • Granted amnesty by Fidel Ramos in 1992.
• Oakwood Mutiny (2003)
  
  
  • Charged with rebellion for alleged involvement in the Oakwood Mutiny against Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
  • Charges dismissed in 2007.
• 2006 Arrest
  
  
  • Arrested after a nine-month manhunt for organizing a botched coup against Arroyo.

Family Members in Government

• None

Election Profile

Personal Information

• Age and date of birth: 46 (Dec. 17, 1978)
• Party: Partido Federal ng Pilipinas
• Highest Educational Attainment: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, major in Local Government Administration, University of Makati (2019)
• Highest Government Position Held: Senator

Summary

Stance on Key Issues

On Poverty, Controlling Inflation, and Jobs

• Says addressing corruption is a prerequisite to solving poverty and unemployment in the country.
• Believes strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises can help provide more jobs to Filipinos.
• Calls for the proper implementation of the OFW Handbook.

On Fighting Graft and Corruption

• Vows to fight graft and corruption, calling it the "cancer of this country" and the root cause of its economic problems.

On the West Philippine Sea

• Condemns China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea and maintains that the Philippines “will not stand down to China’s bullying.”
• Urges Filipinos to work together in protecting and maintaining the security of the country.

On The Drug War

• Said during his 2022 presidential campaign that there were extrajudicial killings under Duterte’s drug war and that those responsible must be held accountable.
• Vowed to fight drugs “the right way” if elected president.

On Disaster Preparedness

• Has called for a 50-year disaster resiliency master plan and suggested the creation of a “super-agency” to manage the country’s disaster response and resilience as well as the government’s climate change policies.

Government Experience / Field of Expertise

• Senator (2016 - 2022)
  
  
  • Filed bills to revive the death penalty for kidnapping, rape with homicide, manufacturing, and trafficking illegal drugs, but later softened his stance, saying the judicial system must be fixed first.
  • Authored and co-authored bills that became laws, including:
    • RA 11163 (National Bible Day)
    • RA 11227 (OFW Handbook)
    • RA 11223 (Universal Health Care Act)
• Representative - Sarangani Province, lone district (2010 - 2016)
  
  

Issues and Controversies

• Legal Battle in the U.S.
  
  
  • Endured a three-year legal battle in the United States for alleged breach of contract with Paradise Sports Management, which he won when the California Superior Court ruled in his favor in 2024, declaring the contract “void due to illegality.”
• Tax Evasion Case
  
  
  • Faced a tax evasion case in 2013 for allegedly failing to pay around ₱3.30 billion in tax deficiencies, including penalties, on his fight earnings in the U.S. in 2008 and 2009.
  • Case was junked by the Court of Tax Appeals in 2022, ruling that the BIR’s tax assessment was void due to lack of sufficient factual basis and violated Pacquiao’s right to due process.
• Attendance Issues
  
  
  • Had the third-lowest attendance among senators from July 2018 to June 2019.
  • Was also among the top absentees during his term as a congressman.
• Controversial LGBTQ+ Remarks
  
  
  • In 2016, he described members of the LGBTQ+ community as "worse than animals," for which he was heavily criticized.
  • Later backtracked on this stance while campaigning for president in 2022.
• Clash with Duterte & PDP-Laban Split
  
  
  • Had a "word war" with former President Rodrigo Duterte over issues of corruption, the West Philippine Sea, and his billion-peso tax case.
  • This led to the breakup of PDP-Laban into two factions, prompting Pacquiao to run under Abag PROMDI in the 2022 presidential election.

Family Members in Government

Jinkee Pacquiao (Wife)

• Vice Governor - Sarangani Province (2013 - 2016)
• Second nominee of Maharlikang Pilipino sa Bagong Lipunan partylist for the 2025 elections.

Rogelio Pacquiao (Brother)

• Governor - Sarangani Province (2022-2025)
• Representative - Sarangani Province, lone district (2016-2022)

Alberto "Bobby" Pacquiao (Brother)

• President, Liga ng Barangay, General Santos City (2023-present)
• Chairman - Barangay Labangal, General Santos City (2023-present)
• Representative - OFW Family Party-list (2019 - 2022)
• Councilor - General Santos City (2016 - 2019)

Bonifacio Pacquiao (Cousin)

• Councilor - Alabel, Sarangani (2019-present)

Lorelie Pacquiao (Sister-in-law)

• Mayor - General Santos City (2022 - present)
• Councilor - General Santos City (2019 - 2022)

Zyrex Pacquiao (Cousin)

• Mayor - Maasim, Sarangani (2019 - present)

Mark Joseph Pacquiao (Cousin)

• Provincial Board Member - Sarangani Province (2024-present)

Russell Jamora (Brother-in-law)

• Provincial Board Member - Sarangani Province (2019 - present)

Personal Information

• Age and date of birth: 61 (Aug. 24, 1963)
• Party: Liberal Party (Chairman)
• Highest Educational Attainment: Master’s in Public Administration, Harvard University
• Highest Government Position Held: Senator

Summary

Stance on Key Issues

On Poverty, Controlling Inflation, and Jobs

• Urges the government to revoke the permits of traders who are hoarding and smuggling rice to stabilize and lower prices, stressing that this will drive the cost of other goods down.
• Proposes a two-pronged approach to addressing wage concerns:
  • Increase the minimum wage to a “livable wage.”
  • Cut red tape and bribery in government’s business dealings to improve the country’s overall investment climate.

On Fighting Graft and Corruption

• Vows to expose smuggling in the importation of goods.
• Aims for good governance reforms in the agriculture sector, especially to stop corruption in public biddings for agricultural supplies and machinery.
• Lauds the ban on offshore gaming operators and urges the prosecution of public officials involved in the “den of criminal activities.”

On the West Philippine Sea

• Actively denounces China’s aggressive moves in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
• Supports the policy of asserting the country’s 2016 victory in the South China Sea arbitration and the filing of diplomatic protests against China.
• Calls for the defense of the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone in the WPS, a rich source of fish crucial for the country’s food security.

On The Drug War

• Calls the Duterte administration’s bloody drug war a crime and condemns its use of the national police as a “killing machine.”
• Emphasizes the program has failed to end the spread of illegal narcotics and the need to punish high-profile drug personalities.
• Says the International Criminal Court has jurisdiction over alleged crimes against humanity committed in the Philippines while it was a state party to the Rome Statute, and that those responsible must be investigated and held accountable by the tribunal.

On Disaster Preparedness

• Urges the use of the Sagip Saka Law and direct sourcing from local farmers for palay and other agricultural products as relief goods during calamities to bolster disaster preparedness efforts.
• Pushes for climate resiliency programs that include emergency cash-for-work during times of disaster relief and rehabilitation.

Government Experience / Field of Expertise

• Chairman, PNP Foundation Inc. (2008 - present)
• Senator (2001 - 2013; 2016 - 2022)
  • Minority Leader, Commission on Appointments (2017 - 2020)
  • Majority Leader (2004 - 2008)
  • Served as chairperson of various committees such as:
    • Constitutional amendments and revision of codes
    • Agriculture and food
    • Social justice and rural development
    • Tourism, agrarian reform
    • Rules, education, arts, and culture
    • Justice and human rights
    • Urban planning, housing, and resettlement
    • Ethics and privileges
  • Authored and sponsored over 200 bills that became laws, including:
    • RA 11321 (Sagip Saka Act)
    • RA 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004)
    • RA 9293 (Amending the Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act)
• Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization (May 2014 - Sept. 2015)
• Councilor - Quezon City Fourth District (1988 - 1992)

Issues and Controversies

• Filed libel and cyber libel charges against YouTube channel Bungangera TV in 2024 for posting videos accusing him of adultery and sexual assault; also sued the authorized representatives of Google and YouTube Philippines for “aiding and abetting” a cybercrime.
• Filed another cyber libel suit, along with his wife Sharon Cuneta, against entertainment columnist Cristy Fermin in May 2024 for “libelous statements” made about the couple’s personal affairs.

Family Members in Government

• Relationship: Father-in-law
• Positions held:
  • Mayor - Pasay City (1988 - 1998; 1971 - 1986; 1951 - 1967)
  • Appointed Mayor - Rizal City (1950)

Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, #59

Personal Information

• Age and date of birth: 76 (Aug. 24, 1948)
• Party: Nationalist People’s Coalition
• Highest Educational Attainment: A.B. English, Colegio de San Juan de Letran
• Highest Government Position Held: Senator

Summary

Stance on Key Issues

On Poverty, Controlling Inflation, and Jobs

• Advocates for agricultural modernization and an increase in the budget for the agricultural sector to spur economic growth.
• Says the government must buy at least 50% of its output at farmgate prices.

On Fighting Graft and Corruption

• Says there should be no confidential funds or, at least, these must be subject to audit.
• Believes fighting corruption can be solved through internal cleansing and leading by example.

On the West Philippine Sea

• Suggests a co-venture project with China in the WPS on a 60-40 arrangement from joint exploration in “our area,” with the bigger share going to the Philippines, and a 60-40 division in favor of China from explorations in “their area.”

On The Drug War

• Says Duterte’s drug war was incomplete and suggests a holistic approach that focuses not only on enforcement and prosecution but also on prevention and rehabilitation.

On Disaster Preparedness

• Underscores the need to review environmental laws, guidelines, and implementation at the local government level, particularly for typhoon preparedness.

Government Experience / Field of Expertise

• Senator (1992 - 2004; 2010 - 2022)
  
  
  • Senate President (2018 - 2022)
  • Authored and sponsored bills that became laws, such as:
    • RA 11469, Bayanihan We Heal as One Act
    • RA 11479, Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020
    • RA 11036, Mental Health Act of 2017
    • RA 11223, Universal Healthcare Act
    • RA 10640, Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002
    • RA 10361, Domestic Workers Act
    • RA 9262, Anti-violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004
• Chairman - Dangerous Drugs Board, Office of the President (July 2008 - November 2009)
  
  
• Vice Mayor - Quezon City (1988 - 1992)
  
  
  • Presiding Officer - Quezon City Council (1988 - 1992)
  • Chairman - Quezon City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (1988 - 1992)

Issues and Controversies

• 2017: Criticized for saying that then-Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, a single mother, was “na-ano lang” (just knocked up). Later said it was a joke, but critics did not accept it.
  
  
• 2012: Faced an ethics complaint for plagiarizing Sarah Pope and two other U.S. bloggers in a speech against the reproductive health bill, a charge his staff admitted to.
  
  
• 2012: Accused of plagiarism again for lifting portions of his speech against the reproductive health bill from a 1966 speech by U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Sotto admitted to translating the portions but refused to consider it plagiarism.
  
  
• Pepsi Paloma Rape Case: Described it as a "showbiz gimmick" and pointed to the late actress' manager, Rey Dela Cruz, as the mastermind of the controversy.
  
  

Family Members in Government

Gian Carlo G. Sotto (Son)

• Vice Mayor - Quezon City (2019 - present)
• Councilor - Quezon City, Third District (2010 - 2019)

Dorielle Maria “Lala” Sotto-Antonio (Daughter)

• Chairperson - Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (2022 - present)
• Councilor - Quezon City, Sixth District (2013 - 2022)
• Councilor - Quezon City, Third District (2001 - 2010)

Valmar “Val” Sotto (Brother)

• Councilor - Parañaque, Second District (2004 - 2013)

Viktor Eriko “Wahoo” M. Sotto (Nephew)

• Councilor - Parañaque, Second District (2013 - 2022)

Victor Ma. Regis “Vico” Sotto (Nephew)

• Mayor - Pasig City (2019 - present)
• Councilor - Pasig City, First District (2016 - 2019)

Nina Celine Sotto (Niece-in-law)

• Councilor - Parañaque, Second District (2022 - 2025)

Cesar Sotto (Uncle)

• 2nd National Assembly (Commonwealth), Mindanao and Jolo (1939 - 1941)

Vicente Sotto (Grandfather)

• Senator (1946 - 1950)
• 6th Philippine Legislature - Cebu, Second District (1922 - 1925)
• Councilor - Cebu (1902 - undetermined)

Filemon Sotto (Granduncle)

• Senator (1916 - 1922)
• 3rd Philippine Legislature - Cebu Province, Third District (1912 - 1916)
• 2nd Philippine Legislature - Cebu, Third District (1910 - 1912)
• 1st Philippine Legislature - Cebu, Third District (1907 - 1909)
• Councilor - Cebu (1903 - undetermined)

Part two of this election profile series covers former senators who are trying to regain seats in the chamber: Paolo Benigno Aquino, Gregorio Honasan, Panfilo Lacson, Emmanuel Pacquiao, Francis Pangilinan and Vicente Sotto III.

(Second of three parts) In the upcoming May 12 elections, Filipino voters will choose 12 among 66 candidates for the Senate for a term of six years. The primary job of a senator is to craft pieces of legislation to address policy gaps, improve existing laws through amendments, scrutinize the national government's proposed annual budget, exercise oversight functions, among other duties.

In this three-part series, VERA Files Fact Check compiled relevant information about select senatorial hopefuls to help the electorate in making the choice.

From the Commission on Elections' official list of 66 senatorial candidates, we narrowed it down to 20 based on the following criteria:

• Reelectionists (incumbents seeking another term)
• Returning (former senators running for a new term)
• Former government officials
• Members or are backed by major political parties
• Made it at least once in the top 20 of pre-election surveys conducted by independent pollsters Pulse Asia, Social Weather Stations and OCTA Research.

The 20 aspirants were then grouped into three – reelectionists, returning and first-timers – then arranged alphabetically.

From song and dance numbers to motorcades, Senate hopefuls have employed various ways, tactics and styles to woo voters. Some went house-to-house, others opted to address larger audiences through campaign caravans or made their presence felt on social media platforms long before the official campaign period. But where do they stand on issues that voters most care about?

In this series, VERA Files kept track of statements, advocacy, policy agenda, bills authored that have become laws and the aspirants' consistency in their standpoint on the following urgent national concerns:

• Poverty, jobs and inflation
• Fighting graft and corruption
• West Philippine Sea
• Drug war
• Disaster preparedness

Each profile also contains the candidate's legislative agenda, government experience or field of expertise, issues and controversies faced, relatives in government and other interesting facts. Also included are the pertinent fact checks of, or related to the candidate, done by VERA Files Fact Check and its media and academic partners in the Tsek.ph collaboration.

Part 2 of the series covers former senators who are trying to regain seats in the chamber: Paolo Benigno Aquino, Gregorio Honasan, Panfilo Lacson, Emmanuel Pacquiao, Francis Pangilinan and Vicente Sotto III.

Know more about your senatorial bets:

• Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino
• Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan
• Panfilo "Ping" Lacson
• Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao
• Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan
• Vicente "Tito" Sotto III

Election Profile: Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., #11

Personal Information

• Age and Date of Birth: 58 (Sept. 25, 1966)
• Party: LAKAS Christian-Muslim Democrats (CMD)
• Highest Educational Attainment:
  • Doctorate degrees (Honoris Causa) in Public Administration by Cavite State University
  • Humanities degree from Nueva Vizcaya University
• Highest Government Position Held: Senator

Summary:

• Lower prices of goods
• Push for programs for farmers and fishermen
• Provide solutions to flood problems
• Lower the optional retirement age for government workers, among others

Stance on Key Issues

On Poverty, Controlling Inflation, and Jobs

• Advocates for decent wages and has filed several across-the-board wage hike proposals.
• Co-authored the P100 Daily Minimum Wage Increase Act of 2023, approved by the Senate in 2024 but not yet enacted into law.
• Co-author of the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act (2023), which aims to:
  • Generate employment
  • Enhance workforce skills through upskilling and reskilling programs
• Filed Senate Bill No. 1960, seeking to establish the Poverty Reduction Through Social Entrepreneurship (PRESENT) program.

On Fighting Graft and Corruption

• Voted in favor of Senate Bill No. 2232 (2021), legalizing and taxing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs).
• In 2024, changed stance and stated that the “country will be better off without them” based on legislative inquiries into POGOs.

Stance on Other Key Issues

On the West Philippine Sea

• Principal author and co-sponsor of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (2024) aligning with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
• Co-author of RA 12065, establishing the country's archipelagic sea lanes, regulating foreign ships and aircraft passing through Philippine waters.
• Signed 2021 resolution condemning China’s illegal activities within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
• Called the 2023 water cannon incident a “blatant disregard” of Philippine autonomy and sovereignty.

On the Drug War

• 2023: Supported Duterte’s War on Drugs, stating it was “backed by the Filipino people” who “felt the results.”
• Defended Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa and ex-President Rodrigo Duterte against potential International Criminal Court (ICC) warrants of arrest, calling the ICC “bullies driven by their own selfish interests” and accusing them of a “baseless persecution.”

On Disaster Preparedness

• Advocates for climate adaptation and resilience programs.
• Filed bills to improve disaster preparedness, including:
  • Calamities' Hazard Mitigation Program Act
  • Language Accessibility of Public Information on Disasters Act
  • Gender Responsive and Inclusive Management Act of 2023
• Filed Senate Bill No. 686 (2022) to assign a permanent disaster risk officer in every LGU.
• Chaired hearings on flooding issues after Super Typhoon Carina (2024) and emphasized the lack of an integrated master plan for flood management.

Government Experience / Field of Expertise

• Senator (2004-2016, 2019-2025)
  • Authored notable laws such as:
    • Mandatory Helmet Act
    • Open High School System Act
    • Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act
    • No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act
    • Expanded Centenarian Act
    • Philippine New Passport Act
• Chairman, Videogram Regulatory Board (2002-2004), now Optical Media Board.
• Governor of Cavite (1998-2001); Appointed in 1997
• Vice Governor of Cavite (1995-1998)

Issues and Controversies

• 2013 Pork Barrel Scam:
  • Implicated in the ₱10-billion Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam with Janet Lim Napoles.
  • Allegedly diverted funds to fake NGOs linked to Napoles in exchange for ₱224.5 million in kickbacks.
  • 2014: Arrested after plunder and graft charges filed by the Ombudsman.
  • 2017-2018: Plunder trial lasted over 4 years.
  • 2018: Acquitted of plunder but ordered to return ₱124.5 million to the National Treasury.
  • 2021: Cleared of 16 graft charges due to insufficient evidence.

Family Members in Government

Immediate Family

Lani Mercado-Revilla (Wife)

• Representative, Cavite 2nd District (2010-2016; 2022-2025)
• Mayor, Bacoor City (2016-2022)
• Seeking reelection

Ramon "Jolo" Revilla III (Son)

• Representative, Cavite 1st District (2022-2025)
• Vice Governor, Cavite (2013-2022)
• Chairperson, Barangay Panapaan, Bacoor (2010-2013)

Ram Revilla Bautista (Son)

• Board Member, Cavite 2nd District (2022-2025)
• Running for Cavite Vice Governor

Bryan Revilla (Son)

• Representative, AGIMAT Party List (2022-2025)

Extended Family Members in Government

Ramon B. Revilla Sr. (Father)

• Senator (1992-2004)

Rowena Bautista-Mendiola (Sister)

• Vice Mayor, Bacoor City (2022-2025)
• Councilor, Bacoor (2013-2022)
• Councilor, Imus (1998-1992)

Marion Bautista (Brother)

• Third Nominee, 1PACMAN Party-list (2019-2025)

Strike Revilla (Brother)

• Mayor, Bacoor City (2007-2016; 2022-2025)
• Representative, Cavite 2nd District (2016-2022)
• Provincial Board Member, Cavite 1st District (1998-2004)

Gregorio Miguel "Igi" Revilla Ocampo Jr. (Nephew)

• Councilor, Imus City (2022-2025)

Robert Vincent Jude "Dudut" Jaworski Jr. (Nephew)

• Vice Mayor, Pasig City (2022-2025)
• Representative, Pasig City Lone District (2004-2007)
• Councilor, San Juan City (1995-1998)

Casimiro "Jun" Ynares III (Brother-in-law)

• Mayor, Antipolo City (2022-2025)
• Governor, Rizal (2007-2013)

Robert Jaworski (Brother-in-law)

• Senator (1998-2004)

ELECTION PROFILE

Personal Information

• Age and date of birth: 60 (Jan. 2, 1960)
• Party: Partido Federal ng Pilipinas
• Highest Educational Attainment:
  • Master of Laws, University of Michigan Law School
  • University of London (England) and Columbia Law School
  • Master on National Security Administration, National Defense College of the Philippines
• Highest Government Position Held: Senator

Summary

Stance on Key Issues

On Poverty, Controlling Inflation and Jobs

• Favors a “legislative wage hike”
• Believes access to resources such as clean water, internet, and electricity play a vital role “in shaping a resilient and progressive society” and aims “to champion initiatives” that will allow Filipinos equitable access to utilities that provide these

On Fighting Graft and Corruption

• Supports the signing of the New Government Procurement Act for faster and more efficient government services and “less opportunities for graft and corruption”
• Supports the ban on offshore gaming operations and a transition plan to assist Filipinos affected by the policy

On West Philippine Sea

• Vocal about defending the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea and protesting against China imposing a fishing ban in the contested waters

On The Drug War

• Proposes that mechanisms be put in place to protect human rights and prevent abuse and extra-judicial killings

On Disaster Preparedness

• Supports modernizing the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to improve the country’s disaster response
• Advocates for effective communication during disasters and urges Phivolcs and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Administration to simplify weather and disaster advisories

Government Experience / Field of Expertise

Senator (2019 - 2025)

• Principal author and sponsor of two landmark laws (the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act) which together define the country’s entitlements in the South China Sea.
• Co-authored other notable laws such as the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act and the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.
• As chair of the Committee on Local Government, co-authored Senate Bill No. 2214, extending the transition period for the Bangsamoro Region and deferring its parliamentary elections to 2025.

Other Government Positions

• Presidential adviser for political affairs of the Duterte administration after losing his first senatorial bid in 2016.
• Chairman, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (2010-2015)
  • Launched the first Metro Manila Integrated Bus Terminal known as the Southwest Integrated Provincial Transport Terminal.
  • Had the Metro Manila Outdoor Media Magna Carta signed under his watch providing new guidelines on handling of billboards and other advertising signs along major and secondary roads and open spaces.
• Mayor, Tagaytay City (1995 - 2004)
  • Established the Tagaytay Public Safety Office.

Issues and Controversies

• Filed a libel complaint in 2017 against broadcaster Ted Failon for hinting at possible misuse of MMDA funds in an episode of the television program Failon Ngayon. The complaint was dismissed by the Court of Appeals in 2020.
• Filed an election protest for alleged “massive fraud and irregularities” against the proclamation of Leila De Lima as the 12th winning senatorial candidate in the 2016 polls, which he later withdrew and the Senate Electoral Tribunal dismissed; results of the vote count showed De Lima won over Tolentino, who placed 13th.

Additional Controversies

• 2015 scandal for supposedly hiring female dancers who did a “lewd” dance number at a gathering of the Liberal Party; he later apologized for “failing to stop” the performance.

Family Members in Government

Michael Francis “Micko” Tolentino

• Relationship: Son
• Position/s held:
  • Councilor, Tagaytay City (2019-present)

Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino

• Relationship: Brother
• Position/s held:
  • Mayor, Tagaytay City (2004-2010; 2022-present)
  • Representative, Cavite 8th District (2019-2022)
  • Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives (2019-2022)
  • Representative, Cavite 7th District (2013-2019)

Isaac Tolentino

• Relationship: Father
• Position/s held:
  • Mayor, Tagaytay City (1954 - 1980)

Aniela Tolentino

• Relationship: Niece
• Position/s held:
  • Representative, Cavite 8th District (2022-present)

Athena Tolentino

• Relationship: Niece
• Position/s held:
  • Vice Governor, Cavite (2022-present)
  • Councilor, Tagaytay City (2019-2022)

Agnes Tolentino

• Relationship: Sister-in-law
• Position/s held:
  • Vice Mayor, Tagaytay City (2022-present)
  • Mayor, Tagaytay City (2013-2022)

Summary:

Stance on Key Issues

On Poverty, Controlling Inflation and Jobs

• Seeks to pass a universal national minimum wage law to equalize the wages of those in the provinces and in Metro Manila.
• Wants to put in place a financial assistance program for farmers, akin to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, and establish specialist health centers in every region.
• Urged the National Economic and Development Authority in November 2024 to review the rice tariff program and address rice inflation, despite an executive order signed by Marcos Jr. that sought to lower rice prices by lowering rice tariff.

On Fighting Graft and Corruption

• Co-authored bill recognizing the legitimacy of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and taxing them. Then-president Rodrigo Duterte signed this into law on Sept. 22, 2021.
• Called for the suspension of POGO activities, prior to the ban imposed by President Marcos Jr. in his State of the Nation Address.
• Urged the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. to review and clarify its policies on regulating POGOs.
• Did not sign the joint report of the Senate Committees on Ways and Means and Public Order and Dangerous Drugs in 2023, which recommended the gradual phaseout of POGOs. The senator said she was not able to study the report thoroughly as a reason for not signing it.

On West Philippine Sea

• Advocates for the Philippines being a “friend of all” amid the tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
• Wants a self-reliant defense posture to beef up the Philippines’ defense force with updated equipment manufactured in the country.

On The Drug War

• Opposes the ongoing probe of the International Criminal Court into the extrajudicial killings in the Duterte administration’s drug war.

On Disaster-preparedness

• Seeks to create the National Resiliency and Disaster Management Authority that tackles disaster prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, rehabilitation, and recovery.
• Underscores the need to improve access to the People’s Survival Fund (PSF), a fund given by the government for projects of local government units and civil society organizations. The PSF has approved projects that allow communities to establish early warning systems and introduce farming technologies in agricultural areas affected by typhoons.

Government Experience/Field of Expertise

• Senator (2019 - 2025)
• Governor, Ilocos Norte (2010 - 2019)
• Representative, Ilocos Norte second district (1998 - 2017)
• Assemblywoman, regular Batasang Pambansa - Ilocos Norte (1984 - 1986)
• Chairperson, Kabataang Barangay Foundation

Issues and Controversies

• In 1991, a district court in Hawaii found Marcos liable for the wrongful death (by torture) of Archimedes Trajano, an engineering student from Mapúa University, and ordered her to pay over $4 million in damages and legal fees to Trajano’s family. The Trajano family never received this payment, as Marcos argued before the Supreme Court (SC) the validity of service of summons of a Pasig Regional Trial Court, which affirmed the Hawaii Court decision. The SC ruled in favor of Marcos on the basis that the Pasig RTC failed to properly serve the summons on her.
• Marcos’ website bears the false claim that she was the founder and chair of Kabataang Barangay from 1975 to 1986.
• Several reports have also debunked Marcos’ claims about her alleged educational degrees from Princeton University and the University of the Philippines – College of Law.

Family Members in Government

Matthew J. Marcos Manotoc

• Relationship: Son
• Position/s held:
  • Governor – Ilocos Norte (2019 – present)
  • Board Member – Ilocos Norte (2016 – 2019)

Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

• Relationship: Father
• Position/s held:
  • President (1965 – 1986)
  • Senator (1959 – 1965)

Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

• Relationship: Brother
• Position/s held:
  • President (2022 – present)
  • Senator (2010 – 2016)
  • Representative – Ilocos Norte, second district (2007 – 2010)
  • Governor – Ilocos Norte (1998 – 2007)
  • Representative – Ilocos Norte, second district (1992 – 1995)

Imelda Romualdez Marcos

• Relationship: Mother
• Position/s held:
  • Representative – Ilocos Norte, second district (2010 – 2019)
  • Representative – Leyte, first district (1995 – 1998)
  • Assemblywoman – Interim Batasang Pambansa, Region IV/Metropolitan Manila (1978 – 1984)

Pacifico Marcos

• Relationship: Uncle
• Position/s held:
  • Chairman – Philippine Medical Care Commission (1971-1983)

Alfredo “Bejo” Romualdez

• Relationship: Uncle
• Position/s held:
  • Mayor – Tacloban City (1998 – 2007)

Personal Information

• Age and date of birth: 58 (March 22, 1966)
• Party: Nacionalista Party
• Highest Educational Attainment: Bachelor of Laws, University of the Philippines – College of Law
• Highest Government Position Held: Senator

Summary

Stance on Key Issues

On Poverty, Controlling Inflation, and Jobs

• Supports the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) law which formalized flexible work arrangements for businesses within the Philippines’ economic zones and freeports and expanded tax incentives for foreign investors.

On Fighting Graft and Corruption

• Sponsored and co-authored a bill recognizing the legitimacy and imposing taxes on POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) in 2021. Turned around in 2023 when she signed the joint committee report of the Senate Committees on Ways and Means and Public Order and Dangerous Drugs recommending the gradual phaseout of POGOs.
• Commended the Office of the Solicitor General’s plan to cancel fraudulent birth certificates of foreigners and said Philippine citizenship is “not for sale.” She cited the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s findings that unearthed the exploitation of the civil registration system of illegal POGOs.

On West Philippine Sea

• None on record.

On The Drug War

• Led a Senate probe into the Duterte administration’s drug war in October 2024, citing it as important for Filipinos, especially for families who have been “victims of the evils it has caused.”

On Disaster Preparedness

• Sponsored a law giving importance to children as the most vulnerable, before, during, and after disasters and other emergency situations, and integrated this into the country’s disaster response.
• Co-sponsored and co-authored a bill requiring large businesses and plastics to recover their plastic packaging waste—materials known to worsen flooding, choke up drainage systems, and endanger marine habitats. This bill lapsed into law on July 23, 2022.

Government Experience / Field of Expertise

• Senator: (2004-2010, 2010-2016, 2019-present)
• Representative - Taguig City, second district: (2016-2019)
• President - Coordinating Committee of Women Parliamentarians at the Inter-Parliamentary Union: (2008-2010)
• First Vice President - Coordinating Committee of Women Parliamentarians: (2006-2008)
• President - 10th Meeting of Women Parliamentarians of the 112th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly: (2005)

Issues and Controversies

• Co-authored and was the principal sponsor of the law recognizing the legitimacy and imposing taxes on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in 2021.
• Signed in 2023 the joint committee report of the Senate Committees on Ways and Means and Public Order and Dangerous Drugs recommending the gradual phaseout of POGOs.

Family Members in Government

Alan Peter S. Cayetano

• Relationship: Son
• Position held:
  • Councilor, Tagaytay City (2019-present)

Lino Edgardo Cayetano

• Relationship: Brother
• Positions held:
  • Mayor - Taguig City (2019-2022)
  • Representative - Taguig City, second district (2013-2016)

Rene "Ren" Carl S. Cayetano

• Relationship: Brother
• Position held:
  • Councilor - Muntinlupa City (2013-2016)

Renato "Compañero" Cayetano

• Relationship: Father
• Positions held:
  • Senator (1998-2003)
  • Assemblyman - Interim Batasang Pambansa, Taguig-Pateros-Muntinlupa district (1984-1986)

Ma. Laarni Lopez-Cayetano

• Relationship: Sister-in-law
• Positions held:
  • Mayor - Taguig City (2010-2019, 2022-present)
  • Representative - Taguig, second district (2019-2022)
  • Representative - Taguig-Pateros, lone district (2007-2010)