Sports and politics collided at the 2025 Philippine midterm elections as a wave of athlete-politicians secured key wins across the country.
In San Juan, PBA star James Yap clinched a second term as city councilor, garnering 18,394 votes. He was joined in victory by fellow former professional cager Ervic Vijandre, who also retained his seat. However, ex-shooter Renren Ritualo fell short in his bid.
San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, another sportsman-turned-politician and former La Salle Green Archer, secured his final term with a dominant 57,998 votes, fending off a challenge from PBA great Philip Cezar.
Over in Quezon City’s third district, former La Salle coach Franz Pumaren led the congressional race with more than 72,000 votes, further cementing the sports community’s influence in politics.
In Bulacan, Bulacan, basketball legend Vergel Meneses was re-elected mayor with 26,967 votes.
Athlete-Politicians Thrive in Metro Manila and Beyond
In Pasig City, Dodot Jaworski—son of basketball icon Robert Jaworski—secured another term as vice mayor with an impressive 285,000+ votes. Meanwhile, Maro Martirez, son of the late San Miguel Beermen player Yoyong Martirez, placed second in the second district councilor race.
Outside Metro Manila, sports personalities also made waves:
- * In Dinalupihan, Bataan, former PBA scorer Gary David topped the city council race.
- * In Orani, former UST volleyball player Wewe Medina secured the third spot.
- * In Gumaca, Quezon, ex-UST guard Jeric Teng won a seat on the council, joined by strong contender GJ Ylagan.
- * Charo Soriano, a former Ateneo volleyball star, led the council race in Tuguegarao City with over 39,000 votes.
Sports Leaders Continue Public Service at Higher Levels
At the provincial level, Dennis “Delta” Pineda, a deputy coach in the PBA, was elected vice governor of Pampanga, amassing nearly 749,000 votes. In Ormoc, former national fencer and seasoned politician Richard Gomez returns to Congress with more than 86,000 votes.
