Kiko Pangilinan: A Return to the Senate

When he ran for Vice President in the last national elections in 2022, it did not feel like it was a serious challenge, it felt like he just needed to put up a fight. When he lost to Sara Duterte, the defeat was nonetheless crushing. In this run for the Senate, that air that surrounded that loss from the vice presidential race lingered. It did not help that he consistently trailed in the surveys, appearing dead last, if not out of the magic 12. It also did not help that whenever he posted on social media, trolls bashed him at every turn.

When he placed fifth in the senatorial race, even he could not believe it, so much so that he prematurely opened a bottle of Macallan that the fellows gave him to be opened in case he won. According to him, "in anticipation of what (he) thought was an ignominious defeat, (he) already opened the bottle two nights ago in mourning rather than in celebration.”

After his official proclamation, Pangilinan thanked voters for what he described as a miraculous and humbling win. He viewed the results as both an act of faith and a clear message from the people, one that rejected entrenched power and demanded concrete action for agriculture, food security, and rural development.

Pangilinan’s win was the redemption he sought, and it came timely. It also the people's affirmation of his advocacy. At a time when agriculture is often overlooked, his return to the Senate renews focus on the country’s food producers. With a mandate grounded in integrity and persistence, he reclaims his role as one of the strongest voices for farmers, fisherfolk, and rural communities in national policy.

Martin Romualdez: A Steady Hand in the House

In the House of Representatives, Martin Romualdez ‘85 secured his third consecutive term as the representative of Leyte's First District, running unopposed. This victory marks his sixth overall term in the House. As president of the dominant Lakas-CMD party, which secured 104 seats in the 20th Congress, Romualdez’s leadership remains pivotal. However, re-election to the speakership—the fourth highest position in the land—still requires the backing of his colleagues. According to Deputy Speaker David Suarez, Romualdez already enjoys “supermajority” support, with over 240 members signing a manifesto backing his continued speakership. With this mandate, Romualdez has a rare opportunity to shape a lasting legislative legacy in his final term.

But the 20th Congress enters a political landscape fraught with challenges: inflation remains stubborn, public debt is at historic highs, and trust in institutions is eroding amid disinformation and political polarization. Romualdez and the incoming House will also have to navigate the delicate balance of constitutional reform debates, energy transition policies, and continuing education and healthcare gaps—all while managing expectations for economic recovery and political stability heading into the 2028 national elections.

Franz Legazpi: A New Voice for Workers

Joining the new Congress is Franz Vincent Legazpi ‘18, the first nominee of the Pinoy Workers Partylist, which advocates for the rights and welfare of Filipino workers across all sectors. A first-time congressman, Legazpi has long been engaged in public service, leading youth and NGO initiatives like Ahon Palaweño in his home province of Palawan. In the 2025 elections, his partylist secured one seat in the House, giving him a platform to push for labor reforms and inclusive economic policies.

“The act of public voting is the core foundation of our democracy. Regardless of station and position, we Filipinos are all equal on Election Day. Our vote holds equal impact and equal sway as any other vote. This is the beauty and the essence of our system of governance: any individual can take part in determining their own future and the quality of life they shall enjoy.”— Franz Legazpi ‘18, from A Letter to My Fellow Youth Voters

Other Notable Winners in the House of Representatives

• Roman Romulo ‘86 secured his third and final term as Representative of Pasig City’s Lone District under the ticket of Mayor Vico Sotto. Romulo is expected to further his education reform agenda, having authored several landmark laws on scholarships and inclusive education.
• Arnie Fuentebella ‘94 was re-elected in Camarines Sur’s Fourth District. Known for his “HEEWI” program (Health, Electricity, Education, Water, Infrastructure), he enters his final term with a pledge to double down on rural development.
  

• Ping Remulla ‘15, in Cavite’s Seventh District, earned a second term after succeeding his father, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla ‘79. He is expected to push legislation related to digital governance and youth empowerment.
• Francisco Gabriel “Abeng” Remulla ‘15, Ping’s brother, won the gubernatorial race in Cavite with over a million votes. A graduate of UP NCPAG, he emphasized his commitment to job generation, infrastructure, and economic revitalization.

Fellows in Local Government

• Neil Andrew Nocon ‘87, a former Board Member of Laguna’s Second District, was elected Mayor of Los Baños. Known for his environmental initiatives, Nocon is poised to implement sustainable urban planning in the science and university town.
• Jay Quitain ‘90, former Vice Mayor of Davao City, placed second in the councilor race. As a long-time public servant, Quitain is expected to focus on transparency and digital transformation of city services.
• Jovi Fuentebella 2003 was re-elected as Mayor of Sagñay, Camarines Sur, for a third and final consecutive term. His administration has been noted for road improvements and access to potable water in remote barangays.
• Joseph “Joe” Umali 2010 secured a councilor seat in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro. Active in youth empowerment, Umali plans to introduce local ordinances supporting public education and micro-enterprise.
• Alfred Vargas 2020, former actor and three-term congressman, won a councilor seat in Quezon City’s 5th District. He aims to expand access to health and social services, continuing his work on universal healthcare.
• Macky Mathay 2023 was re-elected as councilor in San Juan City’s 2nd District. Mathay has focused on disaster preparedness and public health access.
• Eugene Fuentebella 2024, former Board Member of Camarines Sur, won the mayoral race in Tigaon. He is known for prioritizing education, smallholder agriculture, and infrastructure connectivity in upland barangays.

These wins scattered light across the archipelago—proof that a commitment to service and competence still resonate with the Filipino electorate. With thirteen Fellows elected to national and local positions, Upsilon Sigma Phi remains deeply woven into the country’s democratic fabric.

Let the ballots speak. Let the light shine.