Beyond ‘budots’: Inside Gen Z’s Strategic 2025 Voting Playbook

Philippine democracy got a glow-up as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported that the 2025 midterm elections registered the highest voter turnout in the country’s history — 81.65 percent. This election wave was even more potent because it was driven by youth, particularly the Generation Z.

Filipinos turned out in historic numbers to vote for local barangay chairs and the 12 vital Senate seats. The elections acted as both a yardstick for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration and a foreshadowing of what to expect in the 2028 presidential race.

This political reckoning was centered on pressing issues such as job creation, poverty reduction, healthcare and Philippine territorial sovereignty.

Beyond policy, the elections revealed a growing rift between the Marcos and Duterte camps, whose once-solid UniTeam alliance has weakened since their 2022 victory. Despite the political clamor, one thing was clear: Gen Z is here, and they vote wisely.

The rise of the digital voter

Gen Z — those born between 1997 and 2012 — now makes up a sizable share of the voting population. Comelec reported 68.43 million registered voters, including millions of Gen Z first-timers keen to have their voices heard. This group, raised on social media and algorithm-driven material, uses digital tools to educate, organize and mobilize as well as consume information.

Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia recognized youth as a major cause behind the spike in voter turnout, “Kabataan ang malaking factor ng mataas na voter turnout sa bansa. Base sa inisyal na pagtingin, dumagsa ang mga kabataan sa pagboto. ‘Yung boses nila ay gusto nilang mapakinggan ng sambayanan... Ako, naniniwala ako na ‘yung boto ng youth, matters talaga (The youth vote was significant in the high voter turnout in the country. Based on initial study, the youth flocked to the precincts. They want their voice to be heard by the nation. I really believe in the votes of the youth matters).”

In raw figures, 55.87 million Filipinos voted, a slightly lower turnout than the 82.5 percent observed in the 2022 presidential elections. Garcia noted that this growth was fueled not only by digital means, but also by restored faith in the democratic process: “Their vote will be counted.”

Strategic not just symbolic

Unlike previous generations, who were often swayed by name recognition or celebrity appeal with a “budots” ensemble, Gen Z voters showcased a deliberate and values-driven approach. “They gamed the system and they won,” wrote political commentator Gerry Cacandin. “They saw the results back in 2022. And they didn’t take this one sitting down. They are tired of all the politics and the Marcos-Duterte death match. Now it’s payback time.”

Many Gen Z voters used “bullet voting,” which involves selecting only a few candidates who share their ideals and leaving the remainder of the ballot blank. What are their criteria? Authenticity, transparency and advocacy for progressive change.

“Our vote mattered. This is our way of helping our fellow Filipinos... we didn’t just exercise our right to vote, we maximized it,” said Gracia Sobreviñas in a widely shared post.

Another voter, Patricia Luansing, captured the generational sentiment:

“This is our future. The future is within the hands of the youth. Unti-unti nang dumadami ang namumulat (More and more are waking up). Hoping for a more progressive 2028 elections, too. Tunay na ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan (The youth is truly the hope of our nation).”

Political glow-up

Perhaps the most unexpected element of the 2025 elections was the overwhelming disapproval of celebrity candidates. According to PGMN, voters “shattered the celebrity politics playbook,” resulting in crushing defeats for Ben Tulfo, Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., Manny Pacquiao, Philip Salvador and Willie Revillame. The sole surviving “artista” senator? Lito Lapid.

Even social media stars and influencers such as Mocha Uson, Monsour del Rosario and Marco Gumabao were unable to secure seats. “The Filipino people want serious leaders,” PGMN emphasized. “They do not want the Revilla family,” commented PGMN, although Bong Revilla’s son Jolo was proclaimed Representative of Cavite for the second term.

Meanwhile, politicians such as Bam Aquino, Bong Go, Kiko Pangilinan, Rodante Marcoleta and Bato dela Rosa — many of whom campaigned on policy platforms — saw their support skyrocket. These candidates connected with a generation that values content above show.

‘Pink Wave’ aftershock

Although former Vice President Leni Robredo only ran as Bicol’s mayor in this election, the “pink wave” she unleashed in her presidential 2022 campaign left a legacy that transformed how young people interact in politics.

Her movement exemplified political engagement beyond election day, from organizing door-to-door campaigns to establishing grassroots volunteer networks.

“Little by little, the Philippines has awakened. This is better than what we were able to achieve in the last election... the youths are doing most of the magic,” said Lun Estacio.

What comes next?

According to Comelec, the rapid canvassing of votes might result in announced winners for senators by Saturday and party-list groups by Monday, making it the fastest canvassing process in Philippine history.

This election, nevertheless, is more than just a procedure milestone; it symbolizes a generational turning point.

“Gen Zs are a different kind,” Cacandin noted. “They are not as gullible as generations before them... This is just their first clap back. Wait ‘til 2028 when more Gen Zs reach voting age. See them slay and change the political landscape like you’ve never seen before.”