Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) officially proclaimed the 12 winning senators on Saturday, just five days after the national and local midterm elections.
According to Philippines News Agency, the proclamation ceremony was led by Comelec Chairperson George Garcia and held at The Manila Hotel Tent City. Incumbent Senator Christopher 'Bong' Go topped the list with 27,121,073 votes. The ceremony involved each commissioner reading a Certificate of Proclamation for the senators-elect, who were called to the stage to receive their certificates.
Reelectionist Senator Imee Marcos, who secured the 12th spot with 13,339,227 votes, was the first to be proclaimed. She was accompanied by her family members and expressed her legislative priorities, focusing on food security, job creation, and social assistance.
Following Marcos, Senator Lito Lapid, Las Pi±as City Rep. Camille Villar, and Senator Pia Cayetano were proclaimed in 11th, 10th, and 9th places, respectively. All three senators thanked their supporters and the administration coalition, Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas. Cayetano emphasized her commitment to advancing legislation in health, education, energy, and women's rights.
Former senators Ping Lacson and Vicente Sotto III secured the 7th and 8th positions. Lacson discussed plans for forming an 'independent, credible and transparent' Senate, while Sotto prioritized bills addressing fake news and introducing a 14th-month pay.
SAGIP Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta ranked 6th, and former senator Francis Pangilinan claimed the 5th spot. Pangilinan, currently in the United States, was represented by his siblings at the ceremony.
ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, who finished 4th, called for unity in the Senate and urged lawmakers to put aside political differences. Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa, who placed 3rd, expressed gratitude for his supporters' trust.
Former senator Bam Aquino, who came in 2nd, acknowledged the youth's support and committed to advocating for free education and a better quality of life for all citizens.
The Senate of the 20th Congress will see four sibling pairs among its members. The newly elected senators will begin their term on June 30 and serve until 2031. The Comelec completed the canvassing of 175 Certificates of Canvass three days after the elections, marking the fastest process in the agency's history.
