MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday afternoon began the proclamation of the winning Magic 12 senators, the earliest period in the poll body’s history.
The proclamation was held at the Manila Hotel Tent City, which saw the attendance of all 12 winning senators, the 12th was called on the stage first while the frontrunner climbed the stage last.
The 12th senator, Imee Marcos who clinched the spot after getting 13,339,227 votes, was the first to be proclaimed.
Bong Go, who was the frontrunner after getting 27,121,073 votes, was the last to be proclaimed.
Also proclaimed were senator elects and opposition figures Bam Aquino (2nd with 20,971,899 votes) and Kiko Pangilinan (5th with 15,343,229 votes).
Pangilinan, however, did not attend the ceremony since he is in the United States for the graduation of his daughter Frankie.
Aside from Go, PDP-Laban senatorial bets Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa (3rd with 20,773,946 votes) and Rodante Marcoleta (6th with 15,250,723 votes) were likewise proclaimed.
The Comelec finished the canvassing of 175 certificates of canvass (COC) only three days after the May 12 elections, making it the tallying of official votes in the poll body’s history.
The COC is the aggregated, final, and official count of votes used as the basis for the winners.
READ: It’s final: Comelec logs highest voter turnout for midterm polls.
The proclamation of winning senators less than a week after midterm polls is also historic.
READ: In historic speed, Comelec to finish official tally in 3 days.
The political importance lies in whether the issue moves from public comment into formal action, party response, court record, election authority notice or administrative decision.
