'Showtime' contestants struggle with identifying Philippine senators

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February 23, 2026 | 3:49pm

Comedians MC and Lassy correctly gave the name of incumbent senator Raffy Tulfo during the "Laro Laro Pick" segment of noontime show "It's Showtime" aired on February 20, 2026.

Screenshot via It's Showtime

MANILA, Philippines — Do you know your senators?

This simple question seemed difficult for some contestants on “It’s Showtime” as many were not able to give the full name or even identify the current senators, including actor-turned-senator Lito Lapid.

The basic knowledge on current affairs for some contestants was brought to light on the February 20 episode of “Showtime” during its “Laro Laro Pick” segment.

Twelve contestants were shown photos of senators and asked to state their full names.

Some could only provide surnames. Others guessed incorrect first names. A few admitted they had no idea who was in the photo.

One contestant even even mistook a senator for the late former president Fidel V. Ramos.

The senators whose photos were flashed include Risa Hontiveros, JV Ejercito, Ping Lacson, Bam Aquino, Raffy Tulfo, Win Gatchalian, Lito Lapid, Migz Zubiri, Tito Sotto, Loren Legarda, Pia Cayetano, and Kiko Pangilinan.

After the fast-paced round, only four advanced to the next round, including hosts MC and Lassy, who correctly identified news presenter-turned-senator Raffy Tulfo.

Why it matters

Segment hosts Kim Chiu, Vhong Navarro and Jhong Hilario remarked about the importance of knowing the senators of the republic.

“Mahalaga din talaga dapat na alam natin kung sino talaga ang namamahala sa Pilipinas,” Kim said.

Vhong agreed, stressing that by knowing these senators, voters will be able to pick the senators who deserve the public’s votes.

“Alamin din. Hindi lang basta shade-shade lang,” Kim reminded the public.

The current Senate of the Philippines is composed of popular names from political families and showbiz, with a couple of siblings both sitting as senators.

Apart from the aforementioned ones, the other current senators also include Alan Cayetano, Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, Christopher “Bong” Go, Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, Erwin Tulfo, Joel Villanueva, and the Villar siblings, Camille and Mark.

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