Comelec proclaims winning senators

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) officially proclaimed yesterday the 12 winning senators in the recently concluded midterm polls.

The new senators will serve a six-year term starting June 30, 2025 until June 30, 2031.

“Now, therefore, by virtue of the power vested in it under the 1987 Constitution, Omnibus Election Code and other election laws, the Commission on Elections, sitting en banc as the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC), hereby declares the 12 candidates as the duly-elected senators of the Republic of the Philippines in the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia said as he read the NBOC resolution on the proclamation.

Except for senator-elect Francis Pangilinan, who is abroad to attend the graduation of his daughter, all the winning senators were present for the proclamation ceremony held at the Manila Hotel.

First to arrive for the proclamation ceremony was re-electionist Sen. Bong Go, who was the last to be proclaimed, being the topnotcher in the senatorial race.

In his speech, Go thanked former president Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte for supporting his candidacy.

For his second term, Go vowed to continue pursuing pro-poor programs and laws, especially on health.

Second placer Bam Aquino arrived for the proclamation ceremony accompanied by his parents, wife and children. Aside from his family, he thanked the youth, whose votes propelled him to victory.

Aquino assured the nation that he will not waste his new mandate and vowed to pursue measures on education and employment and on uplifting the lives of every Filipino.

Re-electionist Sen. Ronald dela Rosa said he is dedicating his victory to former president Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte.

He attributed his election victory to the “protest vote” from people enraged by the arrest of the former president for crimes against humanity. He is awaiting trial in The Hague before the International Criminal Court.

No more divisiveness

Neophyte Sen. Erwin Tulfo attended the proclamation together with his siblings and other members of his family. In his speech, Tulfo expressed willingness to serve as bridge and help unite all parties to enable the country to move forward. “I will listen to all voices, prioritize laws that will unite than further divide this nation,” he said.

Another first-time senator, former Sagip party-list representative Rodante Marcoleta, said his election is a victory of democracy in the country.

He said the Senate should work for the interest of the people and not for the personal interest of the members.

Comelec employees cheered as he thanked them for the conduct of the election.

Another returning member of the Senate, Francis Pangilinan, was proclaimed in absentia as he was abroad. His siblings represented him at the proclamation.

Returning to the Senate after three previous terms, Panfilo Lacson lauded the Comelec’s orderly conduct of the elections as he vowed to continue fighting against corruption.

Sen. Tito Sotto was accompanied by his wife Helen and children. Sotto said he will be serving his fifth term.

Four-termer Sen. Pia Cayetano arrived late for the proclamation ceremony. Cayetano said she was the youngest female senator when elected for the first time and had the privilege of working with good senators.

First time member of the Senate Camille Villar was accompanied by her father, former senator Manny Villar, and other members of her family. Her mother Cynthia, who lost her bid for the congressional seat in Las Piñas, was absent.

Camille turned emotional as she thanked her parents and all those who supported her candidacy.

Eleventh placer Sen. Lito Lapid thanked the Alyansa ng Bagong Pilipinas led by President Marcos for supporting his reelection bid. Lapid promised to work harder to pass laws for the poor as he returns to the Senate for the fourth time.

No thanks to brother

Presidential sister Sen. Imee Marcos was accompanied by the 96-year-old former first Lady Imelda Marcos and her children to the proclamation. He thanked former president Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte for endorsing her candidacy. She did not mention her brother, from whose Senate slate she broke away.

During the proclamation ceremony, Comelec’s Garcia sought the help of the newly elected senators for the enactment of election reform measures.

“We’re hoping that you, who have been entrusted by the people, will continue pursuing comprehensive election reforms, including improving election laws and strengthening laws against vote buying, and fixing existing rules on pre-election campaigning,” Garcia said in Filipino.

He also called on the newly proclaimed lawmakers to help craft laws that would allow senior citizens and people with disability to vote days before the actual election day, as well as authorize the use of private establishments as voting centers to ensure the people’s exercise of their right to vote is comfortable and a pleasant experience. “We’re also pushing for more benefits for teachers and the others assisting in the elections,” he added.

Garcia said the recent election was historic, as the Comelec was able to implement election innovations and recorded the highest ever voter turnout for a midterm election.