Miriam out of ‘Magic 13’ in Iloilo City

ILOILO CITY — Opposition senatorial candidate Miriam Defensor-Santiago, herself an Ilongga, was conspicuously out of the "Magic 13" in this city, based on 92.37 percent tabulation of the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel).

As of yesterday, out of the 138,457 votes cast here, Santiago got only 48,808, landing her in the 14th slot, which she has occupied since the first day of Namfrel’s canvassing.

Santiago’s fellow Ilonggo, People Power Coalition (PPC) candidate Franklin Drilon, still maintained his No. 1 ranking with 109,565 votes, followed by Manuel Villar with 86,873 votes.

In Mina town where she hails from, Santiago was only ranked third with 3,928 out of 6,811 total votes cast. Ahead of her were Drilon with 5,496 votes and Villar with 4,512 votes.

During her grand campaign here last April 2, Santiago expressed confidence that her fellow Ilonggos would vote for her as the No. 1 senator.

More than 10,000 people attended that rally, which was also graced by former President Joseph Estrada, Loi Ejercito Estrada, Jamby Madrigal, Ombra Tamano and Juan Ponce Enrile.

Perfecto Yasay (in eighth place) and Noli de Castro (10th place) were the only independent candidates who made to the "Magic 13"; the rest were PPC bets.

Ernesto Herrera landed 15th with 46,364 votes, while Liwayway Chato was on 23rd place.