Senatorial Candidate Spotlight: Heidi Mendoza

I found out this morning through Facts First by Christian Esguerra that Heidi Mendoza is running for a seat in the Senate. My heart jumped with joy. I said to myself, "May pag-asa pa ang Pilipinas." Thank you, Heidi.

At a time when the Senate feels more like a circus than a place of governance, Heidi Mendoza’s candidacy offers hope. But here’s the sad reality: elections in the Philippines are driven by personality politics. As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, this continues to be our weakness as a nation. We elect based on name recognition, not based on qualifications. Those with the loudest campaigns, the biggest names, and the most followers often take the spotlight, leaving qualified candidates like Heidi Mendoza in the shadows. For example, in the last election, several celebrity candidates received overwhelming support despite having little to no experience in governance, overshadowing more capable but less famous contenders.

Who is Heidi Mendoza?

Heidi Mendoza comes from humble beginnings. Born in Tayabas, Quezon, she grew up in a disciplined household under the guidance of her policeman father, Agapito Lloce, and her mother Silveria M. Reyes. Early in life, she already stood out academically, graduating as Salutatorian of her class at St. John Bosco Academy.

Mendoza built a reputation as a fearless auditor with the Commission on Audit (COA). Her most notable work involved investigating corruption within the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)—a task that exposed her to powerful opposition, but she didn’t back down. Her commitment to public accountability even reached the global stage when she served as Undersecretary General for the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services, auditing international organizations like the WHO and ILO.

Now, she’s running for Senate, carrying the same platform she’s always stood for: transparency and good governance. She’s someone who’s dedicated her career to protecting public funds and fighting corruption.

The Problem With Personality Politics

Unfortunately, personality politics has long dominated our elections. We’ve elected people not based on their ability to serve but based on their public image. Just look at the clown-heavy Senate we have right now.

Senators like Bato dela Rosa, Robin Hood Padilla, and Bong Go have all won seats not because of their legislative capabilities but because of their popularity, largely due to their previous roles as a high-ranking police officer, a famous actor, and a close aide to the former president, respectively. Their public appeal and familiarity were enough to secure votes, despite their lack of legislative experience. While they might entertain us or be familiar faces, the truth is that the Senate isn’t a stage for personalities. It’s where the most important decisions affecting millions of Filipinos are made. Case in point: Robinhood Padilla's victory while experienced and qualified candidates like Chel Diokno were left behind illustrates this problem perfectly.

A Call to Action: Balancing the Senate

Let’s be real—we cannot simply “eject” the so-called clown senators from office. Many of them aren’t last-termers, and whether we like it or not, they will continue to serve. But what we can do is balance their presence by electing real reformers like Heidi Mendoza. We need people who understand governance and are committed to the Filipino people, not just to their public image.

The truth is, Heidi Mendoza might not win. In a system that rewards personalities over principles, she could be overlooked by voters. However, this is where we can make a difference. By spreading awareness about her qualifications and actively campaigning for her, we can help ensure that integrity and capability get the attention they deserve.

This election is our chance to break the cycle. Heidi Mendoza is the kind of reformer we need in the Senate—someone who has the experience, the values, and the dedication to fix our broken system. She may not have the same name recognition as others, but she has what really matters: integrity and the passion to serve.

I’m calling on all Filipinos who want real change—those who are tired of the corruption, the empty promises, and the spectacle of politics. We deserve leaders who are honest, capable, and committed to public service. Heidi Mendoza represents that change. It’s time for us to rally behind leaders who are fighting for transparency, accountability, and a government that truly works for the people.

We cannot afford to let another true leader pass us by. It’s time to change the trend. Let’s vote for leaders who can bring competence and accountability to the Senate, so it represents integrity and action, not just showmanship.