MANILA — The Commission on Elections (COMELEC), sitting as the National Board of Canvassers, officially proclaimed the 12 winning senatorial candidates in the May 2025 midterm elections today during a ceremony held at the Manila Hotel.

Among the newly proclaimed senators were returning lawmakers Bam Aquino and Tito Sotto. Aquino secured the second-highest number of votes with over 20 million ballots cast in his favor, while Sotto, a former Senate President and veteran lawmaker, also secured a strong mandate.

Aquino expressed deep gratitude to Filipino youth voters for their support and vowed to prioritize reforms in education, employment, and public welfare during his new term.

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

Senator Tito Sotto, likewise, thanked the electorate for their trust and emphasized his commitment to continue championing legislation focused on public health, family welfare, and cultural preservation.

COMELEC Chairperson George Garcia led the formal proclamation, congratulating the new senators and calling for unity and responsible leadership as they prepare to assume office.

The list of proclaimed senators includes a diverse mix of returning legislators, first-time senators, and prominent public figures from various political parties and advocacy backgrounds:

1. Christopher “Bong” Go
2. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino
3. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa
4. Erwin Tulfo
5. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan
6. Rodante Marcoleta
7. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson
8. Vicente “Tito” Sotto
9. Pia Cayetano
10. Camille Villar
11. Lito Lapid
12. Imee Marcos

The proclaimed senators are expected to take their oaths of office before June 30, ahead of the opening of the 20th Congress in July.

In brief speeches, several winners pledged to focus on key national concerns such as the economy, education, corruption, health care, labor rights, and national sovereignty.

COMELEC highlighted the peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections and timely canvassing, calling it a testament to the maturity of the Philippines’ democratic process. The new senators will serve until 2031.