In a country where the Senate is supposed to be a chamber of seasoned policymakers, the recent survey results for the 2025 senatorial elections revealed a perplexing pattern. Competent and credentialed candidates—academics, professionals, and former public servants with proven track records—are trailing behind less qualified contenders.

Why does this happen?

Let’s unpack the issue, with insights from experts in political science, communication, and electoral trends.

The Celebrity Syndrome

Dr. Jean Encinas-Franco, a political scientist from the University of the Philippines, attributes the phenomenon to what she calls “celebrity politics.”

“Philippine elections have long been personality-driven. It’s not about what you can do; it’s about how much you can capture the public’s imagination,” Franco explains. “Credentials, no matter how stellar, can be overshadowed by familiarity, charisma, or even controversy.”

Actors, athletes, and media personalities naturally hold an advantage in a system where name recall often trumps qualifications. For many voters, the Senate has become an arena for fame rather than legislative expertise.

Populism Over Policy

Pollster Ana Tabunda of Pulse Asia emphasizes the role of populist rhetoric in shaping voter preferences.

“Candidates who project themselves as relatable or as champions of the masses often resonate more than those who talk about complex policies or reforms,” Tabunda notes. “People want someone they feel understands their struggles, even if the solutions they offer lack depth or feasibility.”

Credentialed candidates, despite their expertise, often struggle to translate their platforms into bite-sized, emotionally resonant messages that appeal to voters on a visceral level.

Weak Political Machinery

Dr. Julio Teehankee, a political analyst from De La Salle University, highlights another key factor: the lack of robust political machinery for technocratic candidates.

“Competent candidates often lack the financial resources and grassroots networks that traditional politicians or popular personalities enjoy,” Teehankee observes. “Without strong party support or machinery, even the most qualified contenders struggle to make their voices heard.”

Political parties in the Philippines are notoriously weak, often acting as mere vehicles for personalities rather than platforms for ideologies or policies. As a result, independents or reform-oriented candidates find themselves at a disadvantage.

Survey Mechanics and Voter Behavior

Poll surveys, while valuable in gauging voter sentiment, also influence public perception, according to Tabunda.

“When a candidate consistently ranks low in surveys, it creates a bandwagon effect against them,” she says. “Voters tend to see low-ranked candidates as ‘non-viable,’ discouraging them from throwing their support behind them.”

In many cases, voters default to names they recognize or those leading the surveys, reinforcing the dominance of celebrities and political dynasties.

The Role of Media

Media coverage, or the lack thereof, plays a significant role in shaping voter awareness.

Credentialed candidates often fail to secure the same level of media attention as their more flamboyant counterparts. Franco points out that sensationalism tends to dominate the headlines:

“Media outlets often cover candidates who are controversial or entertaining because they drive engagement. Unfortunately, this sidelines the more substantive discussions that technocrats try to bring to the table.”

Cultural Dimensions

Lastly, cultural factors also play a role.

Many Filipino voters tend to value personal relationships and emotional connections over technical expertise. Teehankee notes:

“Filipinos often vote for people they feel a personal affinity for. The concept of utang na loob (debt of gratitude) and pakikisama (sense of belonging) is deeply ingrained in our political culture, making it harder for highly credentialed but less relatable candidates to connect with the masses.”

A Glimmer of Hope

Despite these challenges, there’s still hope for reform-oriented candidates. Grassroots movements, social media campaigns, and voter education initiatives have started to shift the conversation toward competence and accountability.

“The key is to package expertise in a way that is accessible and relatable,” Franco suggests. “If credentialed candidates can humanize their platforms and speak the language of the masses, they can bridge the gap.”

The road to a merit-based Senate may be long and arduous, but as voters become more discerning and engaged, the tides could eventually turn. Until then, the Philippines remains a battleground where personality often outshines policy, and competence takes a backseat to charisma.

About The Author

Daily Sun Chronicle Research

Daily Sun Chronicle Research is a dynamic pool of writers, analysts, and field correspondents with diverse professional backgrounds and wide-ranging interests. Our team brings together seasoned journalists, emerging storytellers, subject-matter specialists, and community-based researchers who share a common commitment to truth-telling and public service.

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