Senator Camille Villar emerged as the biggest spender in the 2025 midterm senatorial elections, according to an investigation by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ).
The report was based on the Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) submitted by senatorial candidates to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
Villar, who ranked 10th in the final and official tally, spent a total of ₱179.64 million for her campaign.
She was followed by Senator Lito Lapid, who spent ₱163.58 million, and Senator Pia Cayetano with ₱162 million—both of whom successfully secured their re-election bids.
Former DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos and former Makati City Mayor Abby Binay spent ₱160.49 million and ₱157.86 million respectively, but both failed to make it to the winning circle.
All five candidates ran under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s political coalition, Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas.
Other top spenders who breached the ₱100-million mark included Senators Bong Go, Bato dela Rosa, Erwin Tulfo, Kiko Pangilinan, Rodante Marcoleta, and Imee Marcos.
Meanwhile, Senators Bam Aquino and Tito Sotto each spent over ₱85 million.
On the other end of the spectrum, Senator Ping Lacson reported campaign expenses of only ₱18.95 million.
Notably, senatorial aspirant Dr. Joey Montemayor reported zero campaign contributions and expenditures.