MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Jinggoy Estrada on Wednesday said being a celebrity is not enough to win in the elections.

"Marami ngang mga artista ngayon na nanalo at marami ding artista na hindi masyadong pinalad. Wala talagang garantiya. Kahit artista ka ay pwede ka ng manalo sa public office,” Estrada, himself an actor, told ABS-CBN morning show "Umagang Kay Ganda."

He added: “Ang tinitingnan kasi ng taumbayan ngayon ay 'yong karanasan. Kung may karanasan kang humawak ng ahensiya ng gobyerno, kung naging mayor ka dati, kung naging congressman ka dati, 'yon ang tinitingnan. At ‘yong performance while you are there in public office."

He also admitted that being an incumbent official is a big advantage when running for public office just like in his case and that of his fellow senator, Lito Lapid. "Iba na kasi 'yong incumbent ka. May recall. Kaya din nakapasok siguro si Senator Lapid."

Based on the 5:15 a.m. tally of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), Estrada ranked No. 2 on the list of top senators, next to actor-turned-politician Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. Lapid also made it on the top 12 list.

"Unang una, kaya tayo nag-rate ng mataas sa nakaraang election siguro, modesty aside, dahil sa aking nagawa sa Senado. 'Yong ating performance sa Senado at mga bills na naipasa sa Senado," Estrada said.

The senator also noted that his perseverance during the 90-day campaign period had paid off.

"Talagang nagsisipag ako. Pumupunta ako sa mga probinsiya kahit walang schedule ang partido namin. Ako mismo ay umaalis at nangangampanya mag-isa," Estrada added.