ON THE heels of the fastest canvassing in history, the Commission on Elections (Comelec), sitting as the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC), is set to proclaim Saturday, May 17, 2025, the 12 new senators of the Philippines.
In a formal ceremony at the Tent City of the Manila Hotel, the 12 newly elected senators will be proclaimed just five days after the May 2025 elections.
"We will have the proclamation of the 12 winning senatorial candidates based on the rankings yesterday (Thursday). We will have the proclamation by 3 p.m.," said Comelec Chairman George Garcia in a press conference Friday.
Based on the National Certificate of Canvass (NCOC) released by the NBOC, set to be proclaimed are Senator Bong Go (27,121,073); former senator Bam Aquino (20,971,899); Senator Bato dela Rosa (20,773,946); ACT-CIS party-list Representative Erwin Tulfo (17,118,881); former senator Kiko Pangilinan (15,343,229); and Sagip party-list Representative Rodante Marcoleta (15,250,723).
Also set to be proclaimed are former senator Ping Lacson (15,106,111); former senator Tito Sotto (14,832,996); Sen Pia Cayetano (14,573,430); Las PiƱas City Representative Camille Villar (13,651,274); Lito Lapid (13,394,102); and Senator Imee Marcos (13,339,227).
The NCOC accounts for the votes of 57,350,968 registered voters.
Garcia said they have begun sending out invitations to the 12 winning senatorial candidates for the proclamation ceremony.
He said each winning candidate would be allowed 10 to 15 companions during the ceremony.
"Each commissioner will be reading the Certificate of Proclamation of each and every winning candidate with their respective votes," said the poll chief.
"This is their moment. This is their day," added Garcia.
On Thursday night, the NBOC completed canvassing all the 175 certificates of canvass.
The three-day canvassing proceedings by the NBOC are touted as the fastest in the country's electoral history. (Anton Banal/SunStar Philippines)