12 Winners, But Only 1 Name’s Going Viral for the Wrong Reasons

Full roster of elected senators in the 2025 PH midterm elections

There are first-timers, returning senators, and members of political dynasties.

Here are senators who made it to the Magic 12 in the 2025 Philippine midterm elections, along with their vote count, political background, and family ties.

The top five Senate finishers—(L-R) Bong Go, Bato dela Rosa, Bam Aquino, Erwin Tulfo, and Kiko Pangilinan—were officially proclaimed on May 17, 2025, at the Tent City of the Manila Hotel, five days after the 2025 midterm elections.
PHOTO/S: Screengrab from Facebook (L-R): Bong Go, Bato dela Rosa, Bam Aquino, Erwin Tulfo, Kiko Pangilinan

The proclamation of the 12 winning senatorial candidates was done by Commission on Elections (COMELEC) this afternoon, May 17, 2025, five days after the nation cast its votes in the May 12 midterm polls.

It was held at the Tent City of the Manila Hotel.

COMELEC Chairperson George Garcia announced on Friday, May 16, that the official proclamation ceremony would begin at 3 P.M., with each commissioner reading a certificate of proclamation in reverse order—from the 12th placer to the top vote-getter.

Each senator-elect will be allowed to bring 10 to 15 guests and deliver a five-minute speech.

The National Board of Canvassers completed the canvassing of all 175 certificates of canvass—both local and overseas—on Thursday, clearing the way for today’s proclamation.

Based on the National Certificate of Canvass (NCOC), here are the senators who made it to the Magic 12, along with their vote count, political background, and family ties to politics and public service.

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Here are senators who made it to the Magic 12 in the 2025 Philippine midterm elections, along with their vote count, political background, and family ties.

Senate of the Philippines official logo 
Photo/s: Senate of the Philippines

NEWLY ELECTED SENATORS

Bong Go

Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Tesoro Go began his political career in 1998 as the executive assistant and personal aide to then-Davao City Mayor Rodrigo “Digong” Roa Duterte.

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Mad Ramos, first Campus Cutie Grand Winner

He later secured a Senate seat in 2019, running under the banner of the Duterte administration.

Votes: 27,121,073
Senate term: Second
Principal author of the Malasakit Center Act
Connections: No immediate family members currently holding political office.
Political Party: PDP Laban

Bam Aquino

A former senator and advocate for education and youth empowerment, Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aguirre Aquino IV served in the Senate from 2013 until 2019, when he lost his re-election bid.

Votes: 20,971,899
Senate term: Second (non-consecutive)
Author of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act; Deputy Senate Minority Leader from 2017 to 2019
Connections: Cousin of the former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III+; nephew of Senator Benigno Aquino Sr.+
Political Party: Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP)

Ronald ‘BATO” dela Rosa

A former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa gained national attention for leading the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, before winning a Senate seat in 2019.

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Votes: 20,773,946
Senate term: Second
Head police chief; Bureau of Corrections director (2016–2018)
Connections: No immediate family members currently holding political office
Political Party: PDP Laban

Erwin Tulfo

A veteran broadcaster turned lawmaker, Erwin Teshiba Tulfo was appointed secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in 2022 before running for Senate in 2025.

Votes: 17,118,881
Senate term: First
Deputy majority leader of the Philippine House of Representatives since 2023; former DSWD secretary
Connections: Brother of incumbent senator Raffy Tulfo
Political Party: Lakas CMD

Francis “KIKO” Pangilinan

A veteran lawmaker and former presidential adviser on food security, Francis Pancratius “Kiko” Nepomuceno Pangilinan is also known for championing agriculture and youth causes.

He served in the Senate from 2001 to 2013, and again from 2016 to 2022.

Votes: 15,343,229
Senate term: Third (non-consecutive)
Author of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act; Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization (2014-2015)
Connections: Related to Senator Tito Sotto, uncle of wife Sharon Cuneta; son-in-law of former Pasay City Mayor Pablo Cuneta+
Political Party: Liberal Party

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Rodante Marcoleta

Best known for his role in opposing the ABS-CBN franchise renewal, Rodante Dizon Marcoleta has served multiple terms as a party-list representative for SAGIP Partylist since 2016.

Votes: 15,250,723
Senate term: First
One of the principal authors of the landmark law Magna Carta of the Poor; House Deputy Speaker of the 18th Congress (2019-2022)
Connections: No immediate family members currently holding political office
Political Party: Independent

Panfilo “PING” Lacson

A former PNP chief and multi-term senator, Panfilo “Ping” Morena Lacson Sr. served in the Senate from 2001 to 2013, and again from 2016 to 2022.

He is known for his anti-corruption stance, law enforcement background, and multiple bids for the presidency.

Votes: 15,106,111
Senate term: Fourth (non-consecutive)
PNP chief who reduced the “Kotong culture” (bribe culture) among police officers; anti-pork barrel advocate
Connections: No immediate family members currently holding political office
Political Party: Independent

Vicente ‘tito” Sotto III

A showbiz icon turned lawmaker, Vicente “Tito” Castelo Sotto III is one of the longest-serving senators in post-EDSA congress—referring to the Philippine Congress that was convened after the 1986 People Power Revolution or EDSA Revolution.

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He first entered the senate in 1992, serving until 2004, and then again from 2010 to 2022.

He held the senate presidency from 2018 to 2022.

Votes: 14,832,996
Senate term: Fifth (non-consecutive)
Principal author of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002; co-author of the Universal Health Care Act, the Magna Carta for Senior Citizens, and the People’s Television Network Act; long-time legislator and entertainment figure
Connections: Grandson of former Senator Vicente Sotto+, dad of Quezon City Mayor Gian Sotto; dad of Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) Chairperson Lala Sotto; uncle of Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto
Political Party: Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC)

Pia Cayetano

A lawyer and triathlete, Pilar “Pia” Juliana Schramm Cayetano first served in the senate from 2004 to 2016, then returned in 2019.

Her legislative work has centered on health, education, and women’s rights, and she is known for championing progressive health policies.

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Votes: 14,573,430
Senate term: Fourth (non-consecutive)
Principal sponsor of the Reproductive Health Law and the Expanded Maternity Leave Law; author of the Graphic Health Warnings Law, the Magna Carta of Women, and the National Health Insurance Act amendments
Connections: Daughter of Senator Rene Cayetano+; sister of incumbent senator Alan Peter Cayetano; sister-in-law of Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano; cousin of former Taguig Mayor and congressman Lino Cayetano
Political Party: Nacionalista Party

Camille Villar

A businesswoman and former TV host, Camille Aguilar Villar-Genuino had been a member of the House of Representatives for Las Piñas City since 2019.

Her legislative work focuses on business development, OFW welfare, and women’s rights.

Votes: 13,651,274
Senate term: First
Vice chairperson of the House Committee on Trade and Industry; Deputy Speaker (2021-2025)
Connections: Daughter of incumbent Senator Cynthia Villar and former Senate president Manny Villar; sister of Mark Villar, current Las Piñas representative and former Public Works secretary
Political Party: Nacionalista Party

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Lito Lapid

An action star turned politician, Manuel “Lito” Lapid served as governor of Pampanga from 1995 to 2004 before entering the Senate.

He first served as senator from 2004 to 2016, then returned in 2019.

Votes: 13,394,102
Senate term: Fourth (non-consecutive)
Principal author of the Free Legal Assistance Act, Open High School System Act, Mandatory PhilHealth Coverage for Senior Citizens Law, and Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010
Connections: No immediate family members currently holding political office
Political Party: Nationalist People’s Coalition

Imee Marcos

The daughter of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., Imee Marcos served as governor of Ilocos Norte from 2010 to 2019 and as its representative from 1998 to 2007, before winning a Senate seat in 2019.

Votes: 13,339,227
Senate term: Second
Principal sponsor of the Inclusive Education Act, Parents Welfare Act, and Pangkabuhayan Act
Connections: Daughter of the former president and dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.+ and former Ilocos Norte congresswoman and First Lady Imelda Marcos; sister of incumbent president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.; mom of Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Matthew Manotoc; aunt of Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos; cousin of Speaker of the House and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez
Political Party: Nacionalista Party

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Top Party-List Groups

While the official proclamation of party-list winners is scheduled for Monday, May 19, the NCOC has identified the following groups as those with the highest number of votes.

      Akbayan – 2,779,621 votes

 

      Duterte Youth – 2,338,564 votes

 

      Tingog – 1,822,708 votes

 

      4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) – 1,469,571 votes

 

      ACT-CIS – 1,239,930 votes

 

    Ako Bicol – 1,073,119 votes

Comelec will release a resolution determining the exact seat allocation, which will be read during the proclamation ceremony on Monday.

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