11 out of 12 newly elected senators attended the COMELEC proclamation at Manila Hotel—highlighting both dynastic continuity and the surprising return of independents and opposition voices to the Senate, setting the tone for a politically diverse 20th Congress. (Photo from the Facebook page of Senator Imee R. Marcos)
MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) formally proclaimed the 12 winning senators of the 2025 midterm elections on Saturday, May 17, in a historic and swift ceremony held at The Tent City of the Manila Hotel.
The proclamation followed the completion of canvassing across all 175 Certificates of Canvass (COCs), certifying the vote totals that will shape the Senate’s 20th Congress.
The event was presided over by COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia, who praised the speed and integrity of the canvassing process. Eleven of the twelve senators-elect attended the ceremony in person, joined by family members and supporters.
Senator-elect Kiko Pangilinan was the only winner absent from the event, as he was in the United States attending his daughter’s graduation.
In keeping with tradition, the senators were proclaimed in reverse order of ranking—beginning with 12th placer Imee Marcos and culminating with top vote-getter Christopher “Bong” Go, who received over 27.1 million votes.
OFFICIAL 2025 SENATORIAL WINNERS (Term: 2025–2031)
- Christopher “Bong” Go (PDP–Laban) – 27,121,073 votes
- Bam Aquino (Kilusang Bagong Lipunan) – 20,971,899
- Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa (PDP–Laban) – 20,773,946
- Erwin Tulfo (Lakas–CMD) – 17,118,881
- Kiko Pangilinan (Liberal Party) – 15,343,229
- Rodante Marcoleta (Independent) – 15,250,723
- Ping Lacson (Independent) – 15,106,111
- Tito Sotto (NPC) – 14,832,996
- Pia Cayetano (Nacionalista Party) – 14,573,430
- Camille Villar (Nacionalista Party) – 13,651,274
- Lito Lapid (NPC) – 13,394,102
- Imee Marcos (Nacionalista Party) – 13,339,227
Senate’s 20th Congress Now Complete
These new senators will join the 12 incumbents elected in 2022, who are continuing their terms until 2028:
- Robin Padilla
- Loren Legarda
- Raffy Tulfo
- Win Gatchalian
- Francis Escudero
- Mark Villar
- Alan Peter Cayetano
- Migz Zubiri
- Joel Villanueva
- JV Ejercito
- Risa Hontiveros
- Jinggoy Estrada
The 20th Congress of the Senate will officially open its regular session in July 2025. Its legislative agenda is expected to focus on constitutional reforms, economic recovery, and the impending impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Key Takeaways: Speed, Symbolism, and Shifting Power
COMELEC’s proclamation this year was among the fastest in Philippine history. The ceremony’s setting in Manila Hotel’s Tent City—rather than the traditional Senate building—was symbolic of the transitional nature of the country’s evolving political alliances.
The mix of veteran lawmakers, returning critics, dynastic names, and independents presents a chamber with no single majority bloc—signaling potential policy gridlocks but also space for broader coalitions and issue-based collaboration.
For precinct-level data and full election documentation, visit the COMELEC results portal at: https://2025electionresults.comelec.gov.ph
