In the most successful midterm polls with an 82.2-percent record turnout composed mainly of the so-called Gen Zs, many of whom were first-time voters, the 12 new senators were proclaimed Saturday by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). 

Garnering the highest count with 27,121,073 votes, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, sounding his battle cry, “Bisyo ko po ang magserbisyo sa kapwa Pilipino (Serving my fellow Filipinos is my passion),” said he would buckle down to work.

Go broke the record for the most votes received by a senator in Philippine history. He surpassed Robin Padilla’s record 26,612,434 votes in 2022.

“Starting today, let us work. I cannot bear sitting in the office while so many of our fellow Filipinos continue to suffer,” he said at the Manila Hotel Tent City on Saturday.

Go said former President Rodrigo Duterte was “proud of him” for topping the Senate race and securing another six-year term.

In an interview, Go said, “We already relayed it  (the news of his victory), and he is happy with the outcome. I’m sure he is proud that I was number one because he was my inspiration and mentor in public service for two decades.” 

“I would not be here if it weren’t for former President Duterte,” he added.

Go also shared lessons he learned from Duterte: “Just do what is right, put the interest of the people first.”

Is the Senate presidency on the horizon for the top senator? Not really, Go said. “I’m okay with who the majority wants.”

Asked who he was backing for the Senate presidency, “Whoever can work well,” he said.

Marcos thanks Duterte

Senator Imee Marcos also expressed her gratitude to former President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte for helping her win.

After thanking her family, Marcos wasted no time in thanking the Dutertes in her speech.

“To President Duterte, our former president who raised my hand as early as October, and to his daughter, Vice President Inday Sara, who campaigned for me until the last moment,” Marcos said.

In an interview, Marcos was asked why she did not mention her brother, the President, in her speech.

“Nakalimutan ko na. Wala akong kodigo (I forgot. I didn’t have notes with me),” she told reporters.

Comebacking Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said one of his priority bills in the 20th Congress would be an anti-fake news bill and amendment to the Dangerous Drugs Act.

Previously, Sotto said he would push for a law against fake news and content. During his proclamation on Saturday, he reiterated the plan. Sotto said he would also amend the Dangerous Drugs Act.

“I would like to upgrade the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency into an authority,” he told reporters.

Senator Lito Lapid said he can now breathe easy after clinching the 11th spot. In his fourth Senate term, Lapid vowed to work harder on laws for poor Filipinos.

“I placed 11th. I am now breathing easier,” Lapid, who ran under the Nationalist People’s coalition, said.

In defense of dynasties

Senator Pia Cayetano, who has three relatives in elected positions, defended herself from being part of a political dynasty.

Cayetano said politicians should be elected based on their capabilities, not whether they belong to a political clan.

“You can scrutinize his work, you can scrutinize my work. We have different work and beliefs. We also debate,” Cayetano said of her brother, incumbent Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.

Senator-elect Camille Villar turned emotional as she thanked her parents, particularly her father, former senator Manny Villar.

“Papa, I told you when I was younger that it was my dream to be like you and to serve and help as many people as possible,” Villar said in her speech.

“Thank you for helping me achieve my dreams,” she added.

The older Villar served as a senator from 2001 to 2013 and as the 20th Senate president from 2006 to 2008.

Journalist turned politician Erwin Tulfo, a brother of incumbent Sen. Raffy Tulfo, espoused “national unity,” calling it “the foundation of a strong and resilient nation.”

“It binds the rich and the poor, the young and the old, the people from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. It is what enables progress, justice and peace,” he said.

Bam’s surprise win

Senator Bam Aquino surprised everyone after he finished second in the senatorial race.

“This campaign has truly been extraordinary. We started very far behind. We weren’t even in the top 12. We weren’t even in the top 20 when we first announced our candidacy,” Aquino said.

In his proclamation speech, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa dedicated his win  to former president Duterte.

“I know that the vote you gave me was a protest vote against what became of former president Duterte’s administration. So wherever you are now, President Duterte sir, I dedicate this victory to you,” he said.

Rodante Marcoleta, a former partylist representative, received the sixth-highest number of votes among the 12 new senators. 

He said he would support bills to lower electricity prices.

Senator Panfilo Lacson turned melancholy. “My father was the son of a veteran Katipunero, Lolo Mauricio. He always gave me one reminder. We had time together before he passed away, and by then, I had already become chief of the PNP, director general. His advice to me was simple. 

“‘Always remember this, Ping,’” he said: “‘Stand up for what is right, fight what is wrong.’ That has been my guiding principle throughout my more than 50 years of service in government — 20 years as a soldier, 10 years as a police officer, and 18 years as a senator.”

His mother imparted the lesson, “Don’t ever steal, don’t ever take what is not yours,” he added.

Lacson marked his comeback to the upper chamber by finishing seventh with 15.1 million votes.

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan missed the proclamation since his family was in the United States to attend his daughter Frankie’s graduation from college.

Through his eldest sister, Maricel Pangilinan Arenas, who represented him, he issued the following message:  

“For every farmer and fisherfolk, every worker, every solo parent, every mother who sacrifices and gives her last bite of food to her children, every father or mother separated from their children just to send them to school and give them a better life — this victory is for all of you.”  

Landmark exercise

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia hailed the 2025 midterm polls as unique “despite the challenges and amid the heat.” 

According to Garcia, the high temperature was due to the summer season and the intense exchanges of views during the campaign.

The poll body reported a record-high voter turnout of 57.35 million out of 69.67 million registered voters.

The figure was the second-highest turnout after the 84.1 percent logged during the 2022 presidential elections, where 55.65 million registered voters participated.