| Declared winners in the Senate race are, from left, Gregorio Honasan, Benigno Aquino III, Francis Escudero, Manny Villar, Peter Cayetano, Loren Legarda, Panfilo Lacson, Francis Pangilinan, Edgardo Angara, and (not at the ceremony) Joker Arroyo. The election commissioners, led by Benjamin Abalos (fifth from right), made the proclamation last night. (AP photo) |
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MANILA - Seven opposition candidates were among 10 new senators named by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) last night, a development likely to bring trouble to President Arroyo’s last three years in power.
The victory ensures the opposition’s continuing dominance in the 24-seat Senate, a traditional opposition bastion that could block the passage of key bills, including the annual government budget, and initiate corruption investigations.
Most of the opposition senators are Arroyo critics, who have demanded her resignation over corruption allegations and accusations that she rigged the 2004 presidential elections with the help of loyal generals and an election commissioner.
Pinoy Votes: Sun.Star Election 2007 Coverage
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