Wazzup Pilipinas!?
"Social media personalities, sumali na rin sa Halalan 2025!
Marc Gamboa of YouTube vlog Models of Manila says he wants to represent content creators, live streamers, etc. He also wants to set up a “fake news monitoring office” that would operate 24/7 “para merong masumbungan ang mga tao.”
TikToker Eli San Fernando, who is supposedly known for his “no-holds-barred political commentary,” is the first nominee of the Kamanggagawa party-list. If he gets a House seat, his main agenda would be to scrap the provincial rate applied to regional workers.
Naghain rin ng certificate of candidacy #COC sa pagka-konsehal ang social media influencer na si Romar Tan-Pamulaklakin sa 1st district ng Maynila ngayong Martes,"
It was just a few months ago when we heard of a vlogger and her fellow vloggers being declared as Persona non-grata for what they did in Palawan. But now they seem to have not been affected by their shameful act and one of them is now running for a government position in the city of Manila.
As the 2025 Philippine midterm elections draw near, a new wave of candidates is emerging from an unexpected yet increasingly influential source—social media. Content creators, influencers, and online personalities, known for their viral videos, political commentaries, and massive followings, are stepping into the political spotlight. Their aim? To extend their digital influence into legislative and governance roles. Among those who have filed their certificates of candidacy are notable names from YouTube, TikTok, and various social media platforms.
Marc Gamboa: Advocating for Content Creators and Battling Fake News
Marc Gamboa, the face behind the popular YouTube channel Models of Manila, has announced his candidacy, representing content creators and live streamers. Known for his engaging politically-inclined vlogs and features of current event issues, Gamboa now seeks to take on a more significant role by running for public office.
Gamboa’s campaign platform is centered on improving the working conditions of online creators, who he feels are often overlooked in policy discussions. "We deserve representation in the legislative process, just like any other sector," Gamboa would have stated if he was interviewed. His proposal includes setting up an innovative “fake news monitoring office” that would operate 24/7, serving as a watchdog for false information circulating online. “Gusto ko meron tayong masasandalan. Kapag may nakita kang mali o nakaka-lito, merong opisinang tatawagan 24/7 para maitama agad ang impormasyon,” he would have explained.
By leveraging his experience in managing a large online platform, Gamboa hopes to bring more accountability to the spread of information in the digital age, a crucial issue that has plagued both traditional and online media.
Eli San Fernando: Championing Workers’ Rights
Known for his no-holds-barred political commentary on TikTok, Eli San Fernando has amassed a massive following for his sharp, often controversial take on national issues. As the first nominee of the Kamanggagawa party-list, San Fernando seeks a seat in the House of Representatives, aiming to reshape the country’s labor policies. His main advocacy? Scrapping the provincial wage rates that are applied to regional workers.
San Fernando argues that the current wage system is unfair and perpetuates inequality between urban and rural workers. “Lahat tayo nagtatrabaho para mabuhay, pero bakit ganun, mas maliit ang kinikita ng mga nasa probinsya? Pareho lang naman ang gastusin at presyo ng bilihin,” San Fernando would have passionately remarked in one of his viral TikTok videos. Should he win a seat in Congress, San Fernando vows to fight for a standard, nationwide wage rate that ensures workers in the provinces are not left behind.
With his massive influence on social media, San Fernando has built a reputation for transparency, often engaging with his audience in real-time discussions about pressing national issues. His candidacy signals the increasing power of social media in shaping political discourse.
It was just a few months ago when we heard of a vlogger and her fellow vloggers being declared as Persona non-grata for what they did in Palawan. But now they seem to have not been affected by their shameful act and one of them is now running for a government position in the city of Manila.
As the 2025 Philippine midterm elections draw near, a new wave of candidates is emerging from an unexpected yet increasingly influential source—social media. Content creators, influencers, and online personalities, known for their viral videos, political commentaries, and massive followings, are stepping into the political spotlight. Their aim? To extend their digital influence into legislative and governance roles. Among those who have filed their certificates of candidacy are notable names from YouTube, TikTok, and various social media platforms.
Marc Gamboa: Advocating for Content Creators and Battling Fake News
Marc Gamboa, the face behind the popular YouTube channel Models of Manila, has announced his candidacy, representing content creators and live streamers. Known for his engaging politically-inclined vlogs and features of current event issues, Gamboa now seeks to take on a more significant role by running for public office.
Gamboa’s campaign platform is centered on improving the working conditions of online creators, who he feels are often overlooked in policy discussions. "We deserve representation in the legislative process, just like any other sector," Gamboa would have stated if he was interviewed. His proposal includes setting up an innovative “fake news monitoring office” that would operate 24/7, serving as a watchdog for false information circulating online. “Gusto ko meron tayong masasandalan. Kapag may nakita kang mali o nakaka-lito, merong opisinang tatawagan 24/7 para maitama agad ang impormasyon,” he would have explained.
By leveraging his experience in managing a large online platform, Gamboa hopes to bring more accountability to the spread of information in the digital age, a crucial issue that has plagued both traditional and online media.
Eli San Fernando: Championing Workers’ Rights
Known for his no-holds-barred political commentary on TikTok, Eli San Fernando has amassed a massive following for his sharp, often controversial take on national issues. As the first nominee of the Kamanggagawa party-list, San Fernando seeks a seat in the House of Representatives, aiming to reshape the country’s labor policies. His main advocacy? Scrapping the provincial wage rates that are applied to regional workers.
San Fernando argues that the current wage system is unfair and perpetuates inequality between urban and rural workers. “Lahat tayo nagtatrabaho para mabuhay, pero bakit ganun, mas maliit ang kinikita ng mga nasa probinsya? Pareho lang naman ang gastusin at presyo ng bilihin,” San Fernando would have passionately remarked in one of his viral TikTok videos. Should he win a seat in Congress, San Fernando vows to fight for a standard, nationwide wage rate that ensures workers in the provinces are not left behind.
With his massive influence on social media, San Fernando has built a reputation for transparency, often engaging with his audience in real-time discussions about pressing national issues. His candidacy signals the increasing power of social media in shaping political discourse.
Rosmar Tan-Pamulaklakin: Manila’s Controversial Influencer-Turned-Politician
Rosmar Tan-Pamulaklakin, another social media influencer that had controversial issues related to unethical behavior involving her other vlogger friends like Rendon and her vlogger brother who is a part of Team Malakas, has thrown her hat into the political ring by filing her candidacy for councilor in Manila’s 1st district. On October 1, she joined the growing list of online personalities venturing into politics. Known for her intriguing content, Romar’s shift to politics signals a significant evolution in her career.
In her announcement, Rosmar would have emphasized her desire to contribute to the community that shaped her. She would probably aim to address local issues such as public safety, youth empowerment, and improving digital literacy for small businesses in Manila. While she hasn’t outlined all the details of his platform, her ability to connect with people through social media, even by doing the same stunt of giving away various products from her sponsors, is expected to be a key asset in her campaign.
The Rise of Influencers in Politics
The participation of social media personalities in the 2025 elections underscores the growing intersection between online influence and public service. With millions of followers and unprecedented reach, these personalities are no longer just content creators—they are now potential lawmakers and public servants.
The 2025 elections are shaping up to be unlike any other, with digital platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook becoming new arenas for political campaigns. Social media personalities like Gamboa, San Fernando, and Romar Tan-Pamulaklakin are using their platforms not just to entertain but to push for change, engaging their audiences in discussions about real-world issues. Their success or failure in the elections will be a litmus test of how deeply social media has penetrated the political landscape.
As we approach the election season, it’s clear that the rise of social media personalities in politics is more than a trend—it’s a new frontier for Filipino democracy. Whether these influencers can translate their online popularity into actual votes remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: they’ve already reshaped the conversation around politics and governance in the digital age.
Rosmar Tan-Pamulaklakin, another social media influencer that had controversial issues related to unethical behavior involving her other vlogger friends like Rendon and her vlogger brother who is a part of Team Malakas, has thrown her hat into the political ring by filing her candidacy for councilor in Manila’s 1st district. On October 1, she joined the growing list of online personalities venturing into politics. Known for her intriguing content, Romar’s shift to politics signals a significant evolution in her career.
In her announcement, Rosmar would have emphasized her desire to contribute to the community that shaped her. She would probably aim to address local issues such as public safety, youth empowerment, and improving digital literacy for small businesses in Manila. While she hasn’t outlined all the details of his platform, her ability to connect with people through social media, even by doing the same stunt of giving away various products from her sponsors, is expected to be a key asset in her campaign.
The Rise of Influencers in Politics
The participation of social media personalities in the 2025 elections underscores the growing intersection between online influence and public service. With millions of followers and unprecedented reach, these personalities are no longer just content creators—they are now potential lawmakers and public servants.
The 2025 elections are shaping up to be unlike any other, with digital platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook becoming new arenas for political campaigns. Social media personalities like Gamboa, San Fernando, and Romar Tan-Pamulaklakin are using their platforms not just to entertain but to push for change, engaging their audiences in discussions about real-world issues. Their success or failure in the elections will be a litmus test of how deeply social media has penetrated the political landscape.
Could this be a sign for blogger Ross Flores Del Rosario, founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, to also join the bandwagon? He could also run for a position. His followers are not that high on his social media accounts but his blog at WazzupPilipinas.com with URL of https://www.wazzuppilipinas.com has constantly been reaching to almost two million monthly views already.
The news about social media personalities like Rosmar Tan and Marc Gamboa filing their candidacies for the 2025 elections reflects a broader trend of influencers leveraging their platforms to enter politics. Their decision to run highlights the growing power of social media in shaping public opinion and politics, which blurs the line between entertainment, influence, and governance.
For Ross Flores Del Rosario, founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, this could indeed be a sign to consider a similar path. Though his social media following may not be as massive as other influencers, his impact is undeniable. His blog, Wazzup Pilipinas, consistently garners nearly two million monthly views, proving that his reach and influence extend far beyond social media metrics. The audience he has built through his work showcases trust and credibility in his voice, something essential in both journalism and public service.
Running for public office would align well with his existing work in highlighting local issues, promoting tourism, and calling attention to community concerns. His transparency and strong stance on various matters—whether it’s government issues or community irregularities—demonstrate qualities needed in governance: integrity, credibility, and a sense of responsibility toward the people.
However, the decision to enter politics is not simply about having influence; it's about having a clear platform, understanding public service's demands, and genuinely working for the greater good. Ross Del Rosario has already established himself as a credible voice through his blog. If he were to run for office, his track record of advocacy and journalism would give him a solid foundation, possibly even more powerful than a large social media following.
Ultimately, if he believes in his capacity to contribute meaningfully to public service and bring positive change to his community and beyond, then this could be the right time for him to step into a political role. His blog’s extensive reach and the trust he has built with his readers could be powerful tools to connect with a broader electorate.
As we approach the election season, it’s clear that the rise of social media personalities in politics is more than a trend—it’s a new frontier for Filipino democracy. Whether these influencers can translate their online popularity into actual votes remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: they’ve already reshaped the conversation around politics and governance in the digital age.
Will their number of followers translate into votes? If you'll remember Doc Willie Ong also had millions of followers but his votes did not even equate to the same numbers as of his followers. So I guess, the majority of his followers probably are not voters from the Philippines or they could be foreigners since being an online personality can also gain you a global following composed of various nationalities and social classes including the younger generations that are too young to even vote.
Reminder: October 1. OCTOBER 1- 8, 2024 IS THE FILING NG CANDIDACY FOR THE 2025 MIDTERM ELECTIONS
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
