Content creator and entrepreneur Rosmar Tan officially filed her certificate of candidacy for councilor in Manila’s First District on Tuesday. Known for her successful online business selling beauty products, Tan is venturing into politics once again, running independently in the upcoming 2025 elections.
Speaking to reporters, Tan shared that running for office was not originally in her plans. “Sa totoo lang, tulad ng lagi ko pong sinasabi, wala naman po akong balak tumakbo dahil dagdag sakit sa ulo, dagdag obligasyon, responsibilidad… pero kasi may nagpush po sa akin ‘tumakbo ka, kasi kailangan ka ng tao, kailangan nila ng tunay na pagbabago,'” she explained. Tan was persuaded by others who believed she could bring real change and help those in need.
When asked about her lack of experience in crafting legislation, Tan confidently responded that learning was part of the process. “Lahat po ng bagay puwede matutunan, hindi naman po ako bobong tao,” she said. (Everything can be learned, I’m not stupid.)
This will be Tan’s second attempt at entering public office, following her previous candidacy in 2022 for councilor in Manila’s Fourth District, where she placed 20th. At that time, her campaign was hindered by her pregnancy, which limited her ability to engage in the election fully.
Despite not having a legal or academic background, Tan expressed confidence in her ability to serve the public, emphasizing that voters will see a different side of her compared to her online persona. “’Yong Rosmar sa social media at Rosmar sa totoong buhay ay magkaiba po. At ‘yong content ko po na parang engot-engotan, tanga-tangahan, hindi ganoon ‘yong Rosmar dahil masasabi ko naman po na matalino akong tao. At hindi doon natatapos ang pagiging politiko,” she clarified. (The Rosmar on social media and the real Rosmar are different. The content where I seem stupid, that’s not me, as I can say I am intelligent. But that’s not the end of being a politician.)
Tan, who has previously attracted controversy along with fellow influencer Rendon Labador for their remarks about Coron, Palawan, leading to their persona non grata status in the town, seeks to prove herself as a serious candidate. She aims to focus on social issues, particularly on providing maintenance medicines for senior citizens who cannot afford them. Tan believes that with her platform, she can make a significant impact in her community if given the chance.