2025 Philippine Senatorial Race: Who’s Doing What on the Issues That Matter?

TLDR: Key Points

• 12 frontrunners in the 2025 senatorial race, with majority aligned with the administration coalition (Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas)

• Leading candidates include Bong Go (45%), Erwin Tulfo (43%), and Lito Lapid (34%)

• Key policy areas analyzed: job creation, education, healthcare, environment, anti-corruption, and public participation

• Pia Cayetano shows consistent engagement across multiple issues, particularly in education and healthcare

• Most administration candidates focus on short-term, visible projects rather than systemic reforms

• Progressive candidates like France Castro advocate for structural changes but face significant political barriers

• Voters are encouraged to look beyond popularity and evaluate candidates based on concrete actions and policy positions

As the Philippines gears up for the May 2025 senatorial elections, voters face a critical choice. Beyond popularity and name recall, it’s essential to understand what the leading candidates are actually doing—or not doing—on key national issues like job creation, education, healthcare, environment, anti-corruption, and public participation.

Below is a snapshot of the frontrunners based on recent surveys, followed by an honest evaluation of their policy positions and track records. This overview aims to help voters make informed decisions that go beyond campaign slogans.

Job Creation: Infrastructure, Social Welfare, and the Missing Pieces

Job creation remains a top priority for Filipinos. Senator Christopher “Bong” Go pushes infrastructure projects that provide immediate jobs in construction and related sectors. While this is beneficial in the short term, it often lacks a long-term vision for sustainable private-sector growth, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which are crucial for inclusive development. ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo emphasizes social welfare programs to alleviate poverty, indirectly supporting employment. However, his approach lacks comprehensive strategies for sustainable job growth in emerging industries like technology or green energy. Makati Mayor Abby Binay promotes urban job creation through local reforms and public-private partnerships, showing promise in supporting entrepreneurs. Yet, concerns about political dynasties raise questions about the inclusiveness of her economic vision. Progressive candidate France Castro advocates for labor rights, living wages, and support for informal workers, targeting marginalized sectors directly. However, her proposals face challenges in gaining traction amid dominant administration coalitions.

Education Reform: Progress Amid Persistent Challenges

• Senator Pia Cayetano stands out with her legislative work improving access, quality, and health services in schools. She supports integrating technology and tackling dropout rates but has yet to fully address rural education inequalities.

• Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar focuses on skills training and scholarships linked to economic growth, though her impact is still emerging.

• Senator Lito Lapid’s record on education reform is minimal, relying more on popularity than substantive policy.

• France Castro pushes for free, quality education and increased funding, opposing privatization trends. Her progressive platform faces political hurdles.

Healthcare Expansion: From Legislation to Implementation

• Pia Cayetano leads efforts to expand PhilHealth coverage and improve maternal and child health services. Despite legislative success, implementation gaps remain.

• Bong Go supports healthcare programs but is often criticized for focusing on high-visibility projects rather than systemic reforms that improve accessibility and quality.

• Erwin Tulfo’s influence on healthcare reform is limited despite his social welfare background.

• France Castro advocates universal healthcare and increased funding, emphasizing equity and pandemic preparedness, though her proposals face resistance.

Environmental Sustainability: A Neglected Priority for Many

• Pia Cayetano is among the few candidates with a clear environmental agenda, promoting climate change mitigation and disaster resilience. Enforcement and broader support are needed to strengthen impact.

• Camille Villar has started incorporating urban sustainability into her platform but has a limited record.

• Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa largely sidelines environmental issues, focusing on law and order.

• France Castro champions environmental justice and sustainable development but remains marginalized politically.

Anti-Corruption Measures: Mixed Records and Political Realities

• Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is known for his tough anti-corruption stance and transparency advocacy but has been criticized for insufficient systemic reforms.

• Pia Cayetano supports anti-corruption laws with moderate success.

• Bong Go’s efforts are viewed skeptically due to close executive ties.

• Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s record is mixed, with concerns about selective enforcement.

• France Castro pushes aggressive anti-corruption reforms and dismantling political dynasties but faces political obstacles.

Public Participation and Governance: The Need for Inclusive Democracy

• Pia Cayetano encourages citizen engagement and transparency mechanisms.

• Abby Binay promotes local public participation but is constrained by political dynasty realities.

• Bong Go and Erwin Tulfo focus on top-down programs with limited institutionalized public participation.

• France Castro strongly supports grassroots empowerment and participatory governance but struggles against entrenched interests.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 senatorial candidates present a varied picture across critical policy areas. While some show genuine commitment and legislative achievements, others rely on popularity or symbolic projects with limited impact. Voters should look beyond campaign rhetoric and consider who can deliver meaningful, inclusive progress for the Philippines.