Daughter of PH’s richest tops senate campaign spending

National

SHE isn’t the daughter of the country’s wealthiest man for nothing.

Senator Camille Villar’s campaign led the pack in spending, with ₱179.6 million declared to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) following the May 2025 senatorial race.

Villar, a first-term senator and daughter of billionaire businessman Manny Villar, also reported receiving ₱159.6 million in campaign contributions, based on her Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) submitted to the poll body.

Close behind in spending was winning Senator Lito Lapid, who declared ₱163.5 million in total expenditures. Senator Pia Cayetano ranked third, spending ₱162 million, though her campaign raised over ₱169 million in contributions.

Other major spenders included administration-backed candidates Benhur Abalos (₱160 million), Abby Binay (₱157 million), and Francis Tolentino (₱149 million), all of whom failed to secure seats in the Senate.

Senator Imee Marcos reported ₱139 million in spending, supported by ₱138 million in donations. Meanwhile, reelectionist Senator Ronald dela Rosa declared ₱128.7 million in expenses against more than ₱160 million received, and Senator Bong Go spent ₱127.3 million, with ₱125.9 million in campaign contributions.

Candidates who also crossed the ₱100 million spending mark include losing contender Bong Revilla, and incumbent Senators Francis Pangilinan, Rodante Marcoleta, and Erwin Tulfo.

Among the more modest spenders were winning Senator Tito Sotto, who declared ₱96.6 million, Bam Aquino with ₱86.1 million, and Panfilo Lacson, who spent only ₱18.9 million despite reporting ₱118 million in donations.

The Comelec has published all SOCE submissions from candidates, political parties, and party-list groups on its official website. The poll body encouraged the public to review the documents and report any potential violations of campaign finance regulations.

Candidates who fail to file their SOCE, Comelec warned, may face election offense charges and could be perpetually disqualified from holding public office.