Television host and senatorial aspirant Willie Revillame‘s reason for working out earned questions and comments from some Filipinos who perceived it to be related to his midterm election plans.
The “Wil to Win” host on Sunday, October 13, posted a picture of himself seated in an indoor cycling equipment while the sports occupational therapist of two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo stands beside him.
“Umpisa na para ma-kundisyon ang health ng mind and body ko for a commitment,” he wrote on Facebook.
“With Coach Hazel Calawod, the personal trainer of Gold Olympic Medalist Carlos Yulo,” Willie added, tagging the page of the 35-year-old sports professional.
Willie’s caption caught some Filipinos’ attention who were aware of his recent Senate bid in the 2025 midterm elections.
This was despite the host not directly mentioning the upcoming polls in his post.
Before filing his certificate of candidacy for senator on the last day of the filing period, the veteran host asked his viewers for prayers without directly mentioning his plans.
“‘Pag nandito ako bukas, tuloy-tuloy. ‘Pag wala ako, mas malaki ang maiambag ko sa bawat Pilipino. Ang kailangan ko, makagawa ng mabuti sa bawat Pilipinong nangangailangan. Makikipag-away ako para sa mahihirap,” he said before.
It is Willie’s first bid for an elective position.
Unlike in the 2022 elections, he said that he is not running under the endorsement of any president or politician.
In 2021, he revealed that former president Rodrigo Duterte offered him a slot for his Senate slate for the 2022 polls, but the host had refused.
RELATED: Did Willie Revillame follow Dolphy’s ‘political’ advice in decision not to run for senator?
Meanwhile, his Facebook caption with Hazel drew comments from people who believed he was referencing his new political plans with his use of the term “commitment.”
This made them say what they thought would be best needed in the Senate following Willie’s “conditioning.”
“Competency and skills in the Senate and not sports and entertainment!!!!!” a Filipino commented.
“‘Yung plataporma po ang kailangan ng mamamayan. Hindi ka naman sasali sa Olympic,” another Facebook user commented with a facepalm emoji.
“Ta-tumbling din siya sa Senado?” a different Pinoy wrote, alluding to the gymnast sensation who is Hazel’s ward.
“Utak naman kailangan dun..” another online user commented in response to Willie’s post on working out.
Actor and producer Bart Guingona reshared an infographic on Monday listing some of the responsibilities of a senator in the Philippines.
“Hindi ang pagbibigay ng ayuda. At lalong hindi ang pagbu-budots,” he wrote.
The infographic notes that a senator creates bills, helps determine how the government spends public money, conducts investigations in aid of legislation, and evaluates treaties entered by the government, among other things.
