The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Actor›Bong Revilla
Entertainment • Actor

Bong Revilla

Bong Revilla is a Filipino actor and politician, best known for action films and for serving in the Philippine Senate.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Bong Revilla is a Filipino actor and politician, best known for action films and for serving in the Philippine Senate. He was born Jose Mari Mortel Bautista in Manila in 1966 and is the son of actor-politician Ramon Revilla Sr. Revilla has remained active in entertainment since 1973 and has also held political office as a senator.

Early life and family

Bong Revilla was born Jose Mari Mortel Bautista in Manila in 1966. He is the son of Ramon Revilla Sr., a well-known Filipino actor and politician, and is part of a prominent Philippine entertainment and political family.

Acting career

Revilla began his acting career in 1973 and has remained active as an actor since then. He became known for action roles in Philippine cinema, especially during the 1980s and 1990s. Sources describe him as an actor, director, producer, and television presenter.

Political career

Revilla entered politics in the 1990s and later served in the Philippine Senate. He was first elected to the Senate in 2004, later returned in 2019, and is identified with the Lakas political party, which he has been associated with since 1994.

Public controversies

Some sources note his involvement in the 2013 pork barrel scam case and later acquittal on plunder charges in 2018. This remains a significant part of his public profile in addition to his entertainment and political career.

Key facts

  • Bong Revilla is a Filipino actor and politician known for action films and Senate service.
  • He began his acting career in 1973 and has remained active since.
  • He served as a senator, including a return to the Senate in 2019.
  • He is married to actress and politician Lani Mercado.
  • He is the son of actor-politician Ramon Revilla Sr.
🍁
Canadian context

No direct Canada-specific connection is evident in the provided sources, aside from relevance to Canadian readers interested in Philippine entertainment and politics.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Bong Revilla?
He is a Filipino actor and politician known for action films and for serving as a senator in the Philippines.
What is Bong Revilla’s real name?
His birth name is Jose Mari Mortel Bautista.
When was Bong Revilla born?
He was born on September 25, 1966.
Who is Bong Revilla married to?
He is married to Lani Mercado, with sources listing the marriage in 1986.
What political party is he associated with?
He has been associated with Lakas since 1994.
What is Bong Revilla known for in entertainment?
He is known for action films and for a long-running career in Philippine film and television.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bong_Revilla
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, occupations, years active, political party, spouse, children.
  2. Senate of the Philippines — https://web.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/revillajr_bio.asp
    Supports: Official senator biography and political career.
  3. Official Website of Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. — https://www.bongrevillajr.ph/about-bong
    Supports: Identity, family background, and public profile.
  4. VERA Files — https://verafiles.org/articles/ramon-bong-revilla-jr
    Supports: Current senate role and biographical details.
  5. Wikipedia (Filipino) — https://tl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bong_Revilla
    Supports: Full name, actor-politician identity, and mention of the pork barrel scam controversy.