By Robina Asido

Twelve winning senators of the 2025 mid-term elections were formally proclaimed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Manila on Saturday.

The proclamation was attended by 11 senators except Senator-elect Kiko Pangilinan who attended his daughter's graduation rites in the United States. It was held at the Tent City at the Manila Hotel.

Comelec Chairman Erwin Garcia, who led reading the certificates of proclamation, reiterated the historic voter turnout in the May 12 poll, noting that no precinct declared a failure of election.

"This shows that more Filipinos are now aware of the power of their votes," he said.

Garcia also recognized the role of the youth who fought for the future of the country by voting.

"Among the voters, the voice of the youth was the loudest. The millennials and Gen Zs, who were often thought of as silent who are busy in their own world, joined and bravery fought for our future. They can no longer be accused of being on the sidelines of history," he said.

"We witness them forge history with their ballots, as if saying: we are here, and we want to be part of the future," he added.

During their speeches almost all of the winning senators expressed their gratitude to God, the Filipino people who supported them, their families and friends and the Comelec for the successful election.

Senators-elect Bong Go, who topped the official count, Ronald Dela Rosa, Rodante Marcoleta and Imee Marcos thanked Vice President Sara Duterte and her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte for their support.

In an ambush interview after her speech, Senator-elect Camille Villar also thanked those who endorsed her including Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. In her speech, where she cried, she thanked her father, former Senator Manny Villar, whom she idolized for his public service.

In his speech, Go said that "truly God is good, God is fair" as he dedicated his victory to his mentor, former President Duterte.

Go, who became popular because of the Malasakit centers established during the previous administration, vows to continue to push programs not just for health services but also help the poor, education sectors among others.

"Health is wealth. We must work together to bring quality medical services closer to our people, particularly the poor and indigent patients," he said.

"(We) will hold the promise of a brighter future for our country. Hence, we need to invest more in education, like expanding further the law promoting the universal access to tertiary education, signed by former President Duterte, so that students will be able to choose more programs and avail of free education," he added.

In an interview with reporters, Go announced that after the proclamation his team will visit the victims of fire incidents in two areas in Manila, as they were not able to help them during the campaign because of the Comelec restrictions.

Returning Senator Bam Aquino, a surprise second placer with over 20 million votes, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the youths that supported him.

“To the Filipino youth, we cannot thank you enough. Thank you so much. The mandate you gave me, I will not waste,” he said.

“The mandate you gave me, we will take care of and ensure that we will work every day on reforms to education, jobs and uplifting the lives of fellow Filipinos and Filipino families,” he added. DMS