ON Saturday, May 17, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) held a proclamation of 12 newly elected senators of the 2025 midterm election.
Last Monday (May 12), the 2025 midterm election was held, giving voters a chance to cast their votes for their preferred politicians locally, in Congress, and in the Senate.
On the National Certificate of Canvass (NCOC), the senatorial candidates who made it to the
The “Magic 12” is listed as follows, including their total number of votes:
1. Bong Go – 27,121,073 votes
2. Bam Aquino – 20,971,899 votes
3. Ronald dela Rosa – 20,773,946 votes
4. Erwin Tulfo – 17,118,881 votes
5. Francis Pangilinan – 15,343,229
6. Rodante Marcoleta – 15,250,723
7. Panfilo Lacson – 15,106,111
8. Vicente Sotto III – 14,832,996
9. Pia Cayetano – 14,573,430
10. Camille Villar – 13,651,274
11. Lito Lapid – 13,394,102
12. Imee Marcos – 13,339,227
The proclamation of the 12 newly elected senators was earlier held at the Tent City of the Manila Hotel.
During the proclamation, each member of the Commission en banc is given a chance to proclaim the winning senators, starting from the 12th ranking to the first.
At the opening of the event, COMELEC chairperson George Erwin Garcia opened the event by delivering a speech on the proclamation, acknowledging the voice of the millennials and gen-z. “At sa hanay ng mga bomoto, namumukod tangi ang tinig ng kabataan,” he said.
“Ang Millennials at Gen-Z, na madalas na napagkakamalan na tahimik o abala sa sarili nilang mundo, ay buong giting na nakisangkot, nakibahagi, at tumindig para sa ating kinabukasan.”
“Ang kanilang mga balota tila bang nagsasabing: narito kami, kabahagi sa paghubog ng ngayon at katuwang sa paglatag ng bukas.”
After delivering his speech on the opening, the Magic 12 began delivering after the commissioner handed over their certificate of proclamation.
Erwin Tulfo–ranking 4th at the senatorial race first delivered a speech expressing his gratitude for his successful campaign.
Ranking 3rd, before delivering his speech, Senator Ronald dela Rosa first commended the COMELEC for a job well done during the election.
He then proceeded to tell COMELEC chairperson Garcia that the incident happened where his vote went from 20 million to 16 million. “Pakiusap ko lang, Chairman George, na sana di na maulit yung natulog ako ng ala-una ng gabi, 20 million na yung boto ko; pagising ko sa umaga naging 16 million.”
He then exclaimed about how he might have had his votes stolen but later thanked Garcia for professionally handling it by talking to him.
He later congratulated his fellow Duterten & PDP party members for putting up a good fight: “Marami akong natutunan sa inyo,” he said.
Dela Rosa ended his speech by stating how he dedicated his victory to the former president, Rodrigo Duterte, and saying thank you to Vice President Sara Duterte for motivating him: “President, sir, I dedicate this victory to you.”
“At sa mga Pilipino, hindi ko po kayo bibiguin. Itaga niyo sa bato.”
Ranking 2nd, Bam Aquino opened his speech by first thanking the Lord. After thanking the Lord for his run, he thanked his parents second for supporting his campaign. He later followed up by thanking his wife and daughters.
Throughout the 90-day election campaign, Aquino opened up about how he came to meet and talk to new people. “Magsasaka, mangingisda, mga estudyante, mga call center worker, napakarami po,” he said.
“At paulit-ulit po nilang hinihingi, sa mga lingkod bayan, sa mga taong nainis nilang makita sa senado, ay isang senado na magbibigay lunas, magbibigay tulong, magbibigay solusyon sa mga problemang dinadanas ng ating mga kababayan.”
Aquino then shared his wish for his fellow senators to get along to find a solution on how they can fix these problems that are being felt by the Filipinos.
He then proceeded to acknowledge his supporters, thanking them for their unwavering support during the campaign.
“Ang binigay niyo pong mandato; hindi po sasayangin. Ang binigay niyo pong mandato, iingatan po natin, at sisiguraduhin po natin na ang mga reporma sa edukasyon, pagkakaroon ng trabaho, at pag-angat ng pamilyang Pilipino, yan po ang aaraw-arawin natin.”
Lastly, ranking at 1st is Senator Bong Go, who first opened his speech by thanking Allah for giving him another chance to serve the Filipinos. He then proceeded to thank the Filipinos for their unwavering support. “Hinding-hindi ko po sasayangin ang tiwalang ibinigay ninyo.”
Go stated how he loves to serve his fellow Filipinos and proceeded to thank former president Rodrigo Duterte for mentoring him and serving as an inspiration for his service for more than 2 decades.
“Huwag nating kalimutan ang kanyang sakripisyo para sa sambayanang Pilipino,” he said while pointing out the safety that Filipinos felt.
After thanking everyone, he was cut off briefly but later stated how he is not yet finished. He then proceeded to explain how he will continue to push through his pro-poor program laws, especially on health, bringing quality health medical services to the Filipinos, particularly to the poor patients.
He also stated that he will continue to help the future generations of Filipinos by investing in education for a brighter future, by expanding the education law, and by availing free education.
He stated how they also advance the sports development of the country for aspiring young athletes to have the opportunity to enhance their skills and hopefully produce more Olympians who will bring honor to the country.
He also stated that he will push legislation that will create more jobs and livelihood support.
“Hindi po ako politikong nangangako, gagawin ko lang po ang aking trabaho para sa mga Pilipino.”
“As of now today, let us buckle for work. Magtrabaho na po tayo, hindi ko po matiis na nakaupo lamang sa opisina habang ang ating kababayan ang patuloy na naghihirap.”
The 12 senators later gathered for a picture-taking, announcing the 20th Congress of the Republic of the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Kiko Pangilinan wasn’t able to attend the proclamation as he was in New York City for his daughter Frankie’s college graduation. His certificate of proclamation was instead received by his sister on his behalf.
