Three neophytes, five returning solons, and four reelectionist lawmakers comprised the 12 newly-elected senators in the just-concluded May 9 national and local polls.
The new senators, who will each have a fresh 6-year term that ends in June 2028, were proclaimed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), sitting as the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC) headed by Chairman Saidamen Pangarungan, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Forum Tent in Pasay City.
Actor Robin Padilla, who is in first place with 26,612,434 votes, is a first-time lawmaker.
Actor Robin Padilla, who is in first place with 26,612,434 votes, is a first-time lawmaker, together with broadcaster Raffy Tulfo, who is in third place with 23,396,954 votes.
Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar, who was a former Las Piñas Representative, is also a first-time member of the Upper House. He got 19,475,592 votes (6th place).
Sorsogon Governor Chiz Escudero is on 5th place with 20,271,458 votes.
The five returning senators who also took their oaths were Antique Representative Loren Legarda, who is in second place with 24,264,979 votes; Sorsogon Governor Chiz Escudero, 20,271,458 (5th); former House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, 19,295,314 (7th); JV Ejercito, 15,841,858 (10th) and Jinggoy Estrada, 15,108,220 (12th).
Reelectionist senatorial candidates who were able to enter the “Magic 12” were fourth placer Senator Sherwin Gatchalian with 20,535,261 votes; Senator Miguel Zubiri, 18,734,336 (8th); Senator Joel Villanueva with 18,486,034 votes (9th); and Senator Risa Hontiveros, 15,420,807 (11th).
