MANILA, Philippines – May 14, 2025 — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has confirmed its plan to officially proclaim all 12 winning candidates in the senatorial race, even as a few vote certificates remain uncanvassed. With nearly all election returns counted, officials say the remaining votes will not affect the overall outcome.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia announced Tuesday that the proclamation would proceed on May 14 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. According to Garcia, the results from the overwhelming majority of precincts have already established clear winners in the senatorial race, with margins wide enough to be unaffected by the small number of outstanding votes.
“Our analysis shows that the remaining uncanvassed certificates will not change the rankings,” Garcia explained. “The Commission is moving forward with full confidence in the results and the transparency of the canvassing process.”
Almost All Votes Accounted For
As of Tuesday morning, the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC) reported that 165 out of 167 Certificates of Canvass (COCs) had already been received and tabulated. This accounts for over 99.5 percent of the total votes cast during the May 2025 midterm elections.
The only pending COCs are from isolated areas—including a precinct in Lanao del Sur where special elections are scheduled, and a delayed transmission from a Philippine post overseas due to logistical setbacks.
Commissioner Marlon Casquejo, who oversees the NBOC, said the remaining votes cannot mathematically alter the senatorial race. “The vote gap between the 12th and 13th candidates exceeds 300,000. Even if all uncounted votes go to the 13th placer, it won’t be enough to change the final 12,” he noted.
Senate Race Highlights Familiar Faces, New Entrants
The partial and unofficial results indicate a Senate lineup composed of experienced legislators, political veterans, and a few newcomers. Leading the list is long-time public servant Senator Loren Legarda, who consistently topped national surveys and election returns.
Also among the top vote-getters are returning Senators Joel Villanueva and Sherwin Gatchalian, broadcaster-turned-congressman Erwin Tulfo, and opposition figure Senator Risa Hontiveros. San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora and former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque are poised to enter the Senate for the first time, signaling a blend of local and national leadership experience in the upcoming 19th Congress.
Former lawmakers such as JV Ejercito and Herbert Bautista are also set to return to the legislative chamber, contributing to a Senate that is largely aligned with the current administration.
A Boost for the Administration
Political observers have described the results as a major victory for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with at least 9 of the 12 winning candidates being viewed as administration allies or endorsed figures. Analysts believe this will give the president a stronger hand in pursuing his legislative agenda over the next three years.
“With a supportive Senate, we’re likely to see movement on key issues like constitutional amendments, investment liberalization, and infrastructure expansion,” said political scientist Ma. Lourdes Tiquia. “This also opens the door for the administration to secure long-term reforms ahead of the 2028 elections.”
Despite the largely pro-administration outcome, the reelection of Hontiveros ensures that the Senate will retain a critical voice from the opposition. Known for her vocal advocacy on health care, gender equality, and human rights, she is expected to continue championing progressive causes in the new chamber.
Legal Grounds for Early Proclamation
While a full proclamation before the completion of all canvassing might appear controversial, Comelec officials stressed that the decision is supported by precedent and electoral law. Similar proclamations have occurred in past elections where the uncounted votes were too few to impact final results.
Comelec spokesperson Atty. John Rex Laudiangco said the Commission reviewed all transmission records, audit reports, and logistics issues before reaching its decision. “All safety nets and validation protocols have been followed,” he assured. “The integrity of the process remains intact.”
Election watchdogs, including the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) and Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE), have also observed the canvassing and reported no major concerns that would delay the proclamation.
Delays in a Few Areas
The only remaining votes come from a barangay in Tubaran, Lanao del Sur—where special elections were delayed due to peace and order concerns—and from one consulate overseas where a technical issue interrupted the electronic transmission.
According to Commissioner Casquejo, these votes will still be formally counted and included in the final tally, but will not impact the rankings of the Senate race. “Their inclusion is required for transparency and accuracy, but their effect is negligible in terms of changing winners,” he said.
Ceremonial Proclamation at PICC
The official proclamation will be held in a public ceremony at the PICC Forum Tent, with each of the 12 senators-elect receiving a certificate of proclamation. The event will be broadcast live on television and social media platforms to ensure public access.
Security measures are being put in place in coordination with the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Attendance will include Comelec commissioners, representatives from political parties, members of the media, and election observers.
“This is a celebration of the democratic process,” said Laudiangco. “We want Filipinos to see that their votes have been counted and that the system has worked.”
Next Steps for the Winners
Once proclaimed, the newly elected senators will begin the transition process ahead of taking office on June 30. They are expected to start organizing their legislative offices, hiring staff, and preparing their agenda for the opening of the new Congress in July.
Comelec is expected to release the final, official results within the next two weeks after canvassing the last COCs. The poll body also committed to a post-election assessment and improvement of the automated election system.
Public Reaction and Watchdog Concerns
Reactions from the public have been mixed, with many supporters expressing relief at a swift proclamation, while critics voiced concerns over the dominance of administration-allied lawmakers. Civil society organizations called on the new senators to prioritize inclusive policies and ensure that checks and balances remain active in the legislature.
“Elections are just the beginning,” said Raymond Acosta of the transparency group Halalan Bantay Bayan. “What matters now is how these officials legislate, listen to their constituents, and uphold democratic principles.”
Online conversations using the hashtag #NewSenatePH trended as Filipinos shared their expectations from the incoming senators. Issues frequently cited include inflation, education, public health, labor rights, and national sovereignty.
A Pivotal Legislative Term Ahead
As the new Senate prepares to assume its role, the focus now shifts to how it will handle pressing national concerns and the long-term legislative priorities of the Marcos administration. With a solid bloc of support in both houses of Congress, the Palace may find a smoother path forward—but also a heavier weight of public expectation.
The 2025 elections, though midterm in nature, have set the stage for broader political maneuvering heading into the next presidential cycle. With new and returning legislators taking the helm, the balance between governance and accountability will be tested in the years ahead.