Former celebrity couple Marjorie Barretto and Dennis Padilla both failed in their bids for city council seats in Caloocan during the 2025 midterm elections—an outcome that many netizens believe was influenced by their recent public feud.
Barretto, who previously served as councilor in Caloocan’s 2nd District, sought a return to public office under Mayor Along Malapitan’s slate, this time in the 1st District. However, she only secured 109,894 votes, placing 7th, just outside the winning circle in the partial and unofficial tally as of May 13, 7 PM.
Padilla, whose real name is Dennis Baldivia, ran independently for councilor in the 2nd District but landed a distant 16th place with only 9,266 votes.
Their simultaneous defeat did not go unnoticed by the public, especially given the controversy that erupted weeks before the elections involving the wedding of their daughter, Claudia Barretto.
The former couple drew attention for their heated exchange online after Dennis expressed hurt over not being asked to walk Claudia down the aisle—prompting Marjorie to issue a strongly worded statement in response. The public “bardagulan” became a trending topic on social media, and according to many observers, may have negatively affected their public image heading into the elections.
Instead of sympathy, some netizens reacted with sarcasm or criticism to their loss.
Si Marjorie at Dennis parehong talo dito sa Caloocan. https://t.co/n2PatDPPvZ
— Kenneth Garcia (@JKenneth101) May 13, 2025
Marjorie is very hands on on her household and children. She’s responsible and hardworking. I would accept if she won but not Dennis Padilla. https://t.co/Gf8NeJLZ9j
— rabinah (@MutyaNSEra) May 13, 2025
Talo si Marjorie Barretto sa District 1 at talo rin si Dennis Padilla sa District 2 ng Caloocan City bwahahaha https://t.co/h6GSAvGa9G
— KhaLucy ✒️ (@lucyyswift00) May 12, 2025
LionhearTV remains open to statements from both Marjorie and Dennis should they wish to address the outcome of the elections.
