Veteran actor John Arcilla expressed his admiration for Gen Z and young Filipino voters following the 2025 midterm elections, calling their engagement in the polls a “hope-restoring” moment for the country.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Arcilla lauded the youth for voting for candidates they believe to be “non-corrupt,” after election results showed the inclusion of progressive figures like Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan in the Senate’s Magic 12.
“Congratulations, Gen Zs and other young voters. It’s uplifting and hope-restoring for Filipinos. It feels like the trauma is being slowly lifted. It may not be 100%, but a win is a win,” Arcilla wrote in Tagalog.
While acknowledging that full political transformation may not come overnight, Arcilla urged voters to aim higher and demand more from future candidates.
“We might not see immediate significant change, but there will still be change! And it is a good start because the others will be ‘on their toes,’” he said.
“Even if we elect half of the decent, it will still be chaotic. So why not aim for 100%? We can do it. If we want real 360-degree change, let’s do better next time and vote for those who have clear track records, are not corrupt, and are not members of a dynasty.”
He ended his post with a rallying cry: “Let’s strive for even better! Long live!”
Congratulations GenZs at sa mga Kabataang Botante! Nakakasaya ng gising, NAKAKABUHAY ng TIWALA muli sa Pilipino. Nakaka tanggal Trauma. Hindi man 100% A win is a WIN. Kaya next time mas galingan pa natin ang research. 300+ ang Congresista at 24 ang Senador na binoboto natin di… pic.twitter.com/GoNIibR6Yr
— John Arcilla official (@JohnArcilla) May 15, 2025
Earlier on election day, Arcilla also aired his frustration after witnessing the condition of a public school that served as a polling station. The ‘Heneral Luna’ star shared a video showing broken and worn-out student desks, questioning how public funds are being used.
“So I’m here inside a classroom that was converted into a waiting room to accommodate the long lines of voters. I saw that the desks of the students look like this. Where is the budget for education?” he asked.
Arcilla lamented that despite such visible signs of neglect, many voters continue to elect corrupt leaders.
“And then we would vote for the corrupt ones when the evidence of our wrong choices are before us? How about our youths? Let’s make sure to vote wisely next time, even if it’s last minute.”
Arcilla joins a growing number of public figures who took to social media to encourage responsible voting and call for accountability, including celebrities like Anne Curtis, Donny Pangilinan, Regine Velasquez, and Bianca Gonzalez.
