Pediatrician and social media personality Dr. Richard Mata, popularly known online as “Doc Marites,” has officially joined the senatorial slate of PDP Laban for the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections.
PDP Laban, chaired by former President Rodrigo Duterte—currently detained in The Hague—announced that Mata is their 10th senatorial candidate, completing the party’s “DuterTEN” lineup.
Mata, a well-known content creator and health advocate, is campaigning on key issues such as healthcare reform, tighter regulation of online gambling, stronger safeguards for PhilHealth funds, and the protection of digital free speech for content creators and netizens.
Initially, the party revealed nine senatorial bets during their February proclamation rally. These include Senators Bong Go and Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Jimmy Bondoc, Raul Lambino, Philip Salvador, Jayvee Hinlo, Rodante Marcoleta, Apollo Quiboloy (currently detained), and Vic Rodriguez.
PDP Laban president and Senator Robin Padilla confirmed on Sunday that the official roster now includes 10 candidates. In a Facebook post, Padilla also said voters can personally decide who to support as their 11th and 12th choices.
While not part of the official list, Padilla voiced personal support for Senator Imee Marcos and former Senator Gringo Honasan. However, he clarified that these endorsements are not formally from Duterte.