Poe: Our win is triumph of independence for Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines — Re-electionist Sen.Grace Poe on Wednesday expressed her “sincerest gratitude for the overwhelming mandate” after she made it to the top 12 of the partial and unofficial results of the 2019 midterm elections. 

“Our win is a triumph of independence for the Filipino people who stood by our side,” Poe said in a statement.

“We ran an independent campaign, no political party, few organized groups without a deep well of resources,” she added.

As of 4:01 p.m., Poe placed second in the top 12 of the partial and unofficial tally of the Commission on Elections. She currently has 21,643,922 votes.

#AsItHappens: Total election returns tallied have reached 96.54% as of 4:01 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15. https://t.co/3UWeeH0Eqv brings to you the latest about the #SenateRace and its results here: https://t.co/9RrltAjpKB #Election2019 pic.twitter.com/55D22Djglp

— Philstar.com (@PhilstarNews) May 15, 2019

She likewise ranked second in the partial and official results of the National Board of Canvassers.

Poe also ran independently in 2013. She earned the highest number of votes at 20,337,327.

READ: Comelec releases final, official vote tally for Senate polls

With her victory, Poe is set to serve her last term at the Senate. Senators can serve only two consecutive terms.

Poe vowed to maintain her independence in the Senate.

“When we step on the halls of the Senate anew and face the people, we shall carry nothing but their interest and well-being,” the incumbent senator said.

“We vow to remain independent, discerning and equitable, bearing in mind and heart that we owe the people our position,” she added.