Meryll Soriano thankful for dad Willie Revillame's failed Senate run
MANILA, Philippines — Actress Meryll Soriano is now looking at the bright side of the failed Senate attempt of her father, television host Willie Revillame, during the most recent midterm elections.
Meryll and fellow artist Marietta "Pokwang" Subong were the guests of the July 21, 2026 episode of "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda" to promote their upcoming movie "2 Valid IDs" competing at this year's Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.
After a discussion on the film, the conversation pivoted to recent issue of another actor, Joshua Garcia, going viral for supposedly reposting a video supporting Vice President Sara Duterte, which many Filipinos took as an indication of his political beliefs.
Both Pokwang and Boy briefly shared having colleagues with opposing political views but do not let it get in the way of their friendships.
Boy then asked Meryll her reaction to Willie's attempt to run for senator last year, to which Meryll initially answered with a laugh "Oh no..."
Willie ran as an independent candidate and garnered over 8.5 million votes. He finished at the 22nd spot, outside the Magic 12, which was rounded out by incumbent Imee Marcos' 13.3 millon votes.
Meryll noted that her father had previously admitted not having good enough knowledge for politics and not having the confidence for public office despite clamor from fans urging him to run.
"He's very smart to understand na hindi niya 'yun forte," she continued. "So noong tumakbo siya, siyempre nalungkot ako, parang... kakayanin ba niya 'yung stress? It's a completely different world."
The actress also considered her father's health and how public office would affect their entire family.
"Mabait talaga ang Diyos sa kanya na hindi siya nanalo because he's set out to do other things where's he more than capable to help," Meryll added.
Boy brought up that Willie initially fared well in election surveys but was also the butt of criticisms by several Filipinos. Meryll admitted she avoided reading online comments.
The television host asked both if they were open to politics; they answered in the negative with Pokwang quipping that showbiz was "magulo" enough.
Boy then quoted Meryll's post last January about Willie.
"Life gave us a second chance not to rewrite the past, but to understand it with kinder eyes and softer hearts. We are grateful for this chapter," Boy quoted Meryll, which earned praise from him and Pokwang.
Meryll explained that as people grow older, one should not discredit whatever their parents went through and that everyone is forged by different circumstances.
The discussion concluded with Meryll confirming her relationship with Willie was now okay, and all three of them wishing the television host well. — Video from GMA Network's YouTube channel
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