It’s official! The Commission on Elections (Comelec) just rolled out the partial list of senatorial aspirants for the May 2025 elections, and it’s quite the mix of familiar faces, political veterans, and a few newcomers. Out of 184 hopefuls who submitted their Certificates of Candidacy (COCs), 66 made it to the initial list approved by the Comelec en banc.

So, who’s vying for a Senate seat this time around? Let’s dive in.

The Big Names in the Lineup

Some big political players are aiming for a spot in the 2025 senatorial race. Among them are 11 members of the Marcos administration’s Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas:

• Benhur Abalos (former interior secretary)

• Sen. Imee Marcos

• Abby Binay (Makati City Mayor)

• Sen. Pia Cayetano

• Panfilo Lacson (former senator)

• Sen. Lito Lapid

• Manny Pacquiao (former senator and boxing champ)

• Sen. Bong Revilla

• Vicente Sotto III (former Senate president)

• Sen. Francis Tolentino

• Rep. Erwin Tulfo (ACT-CIS party-list)

• Camille Villar (House Deputy Speaker)

The list also features some familiar opposition figures like Bam Aquino, Francis Pangilinan, and former military officials such as Gringo Honasan.

Fresh Faces and Unconventional Choices

Some notable personalities outside the usual political crowd are also eyeing Senate seats. Among them is TV host Willie Revillame, labor leader Leody de Guzman, and even James Bondoc, a singer-turned-lawyer. Plus, Apollo Quiboloy, who remains detained, made it to the list, sparking some curiosity about his candidacy.

Allies of Former President Duterte

The partial list includes several Duterte allies, such as Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, Sen. Bong Go, and actor Phillip Salvador. It’s a mix that signals a continuing effort by Duterte's allies to maintain their influence in the upper house.

The Makabayan Coalition’s Slate

The Makabayan Coalition, known for its leftist roots, is also fielding several candidates. Their lineup includes:

• Jocelyn Andamo (registered nurse)

• Mody Floranda (PISTON leader)

• France Castro (ACT Teachers Rep.)

• Arlene Brosas (Gabriela Rep.)

• Jerome Adonis (Kilusang Mayo Uno secretary general)

What’s Next?

Comelec’s Law Department said they thoroughly vetted each aspirant based on their background, affiliations, platforms, and public presence. However, the poll body is also cracking down on candidates they deem to be “nuisance,” having already flagged 117 aspirants for potential disqualification.

The number of candidates has already dipped from 184 to 183 after former defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana bowed out. With more vetting ahead, the list may slim down further before the official campaign season kicks off.

For now, the partial list of 66 senatorial hopefuls is out, and the 2025 election season is already shaping up to be an interesting one. Let’s see who will make the final cut and who will face challenges ahead.