TV host and ‘Wilyonaryo’ presenter Willie Revillame has opened up about his loss in the 2025 senatorial elections, saying he has come to terms with the result and even feels like he “won” despite missing the Magic 12.
Speaking at a media conference for his television comeback on Tuesday, January 20, Revillame candidly shared his thoughts on his failed Senate bid, where he placed 22nd in the official results.
“Siguro hindi talaga ’yon para sa akin,” Revillame said. “Actually ’yong pagkatalo ko, para sa akin nanalo pa ’ko, eh.”
According to the longtime host, losing spared him from being caught in the current political divide, particularly the ongoing tensions between rival political camps.
“Isipin n’yo kung nandoon ako ngayon paano? Anong gagawin ko? Kanino ako sasama, kanino ako kakampi?” he asked. “So, for me ang politika hindi dapat politika, eh. Public servant ka dapat.”
Revillame stressed that his intention in running for office was to serve the people—not to align himself with any political faction.
“Tumakbo ako para magserbisyo sa bayan, sa mga tao. Hindi ako tumakbo para kampihan ko sila,” he said. “Kung nasa Senado ako tapos kakampihan ko ang partidong ito tapos galit sa akin ’yong kabila, napakahirap.”
He added that if he had won, his focus would have been on legislation that directly benefits ordinary Filipinos.
“Kung tatakbo ako, para sa mga mahihirap na Pilipino, para makagawa ng batas.”
Revillame also addressed the criticism he previously received following an interview on One News, where he admitted he had no specific laws in mind if elected—remarks that drew backlash during the campaign.
“Alam n’yo ’yong in-interview ako, sinabi kong wala akong alam, totoo naman, eh,” he said.
“Gusto kong malaman ’yong mga nagawang batas. Napakarami nang ginawang batas ng magagaling na senador—ano pa ba ’yong mga hindi nagagawa? Magdadagdag pa ba ako ng batas?”
For Revillame, issues such as education, health care, poverty alleviation, and employment remain more urgent than simply adding new legislation.
Despite his election loss, Revillame said his desire to help Filipinos remains unchanged, adding that public service does not necessarily require holding office.
“I want to help the government. Hindi man ako nanalo, wala man ako sa position,” he said.
“Gusto kong magpatayo ng eskuwelahan, magbigay ng TV, mag-install ng WiFi. Gagawa kami ng paraan.”
He said he plans to use Wilyonaryo as a platform to continue helping Filipinos, particularly those in need.
“Basta maging successful ’to, we’ll share the blessings sa mga mahihirap. Nandiyan ako—nasa position man o wala.”
Revillame also clarified that ‘Wilyonaryo’ will not premiere on TV5 contrary to earlier reports. Instead, the show will initially air on its official website and social media platforms, while talks are ongoing with Cignal for a possible free TV airing on Channel 10.
