A MIX of Duterte-allied and traditional opposition bets emerged as Filipinos’ “Magic 12” picks for the Senate in the 2025 midterm elections, according to the final and official results released by the National Board of Canvassers on Friday.
Two members of the original Duterte-backed “DuterTen” slate secured spots in the top three: Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go topped the Senate race with 27.12 million votes and Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa ranked No. 3 with 20.77 million votes.
SAGIP party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta and incumbent Sen. Imee Marcos — both independents aligned with Duterte — also landed in the top 12, placing No. 6 and No. 12, respectively.
Outside of the four Duterte-aligned candidates, two opposition and six administration-backed bets cracked the top 12.
Former senators Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan are set to return to the Senate after finishing at No. 2 and No. 5, respectively. The two opposition candidates had topped the Varsitarian’s pre-election poll among UST students.
At No. 4 was Erwin Tulfo, brother of incumbent Sen. Raffy Tulfo, who led the administration’s bets with 17.11 million votes.
Other members of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas Senate slate who clinched spots in the Magic 12 are as follows:
- Former senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson at No. 7 with 15.10 million votes;
- former senate president Vicente “Tito” Sotto III at No. 8 with 14.83 million votes;
- former senator Pia Cayetano at No. 9 with 14.57 million votes;
- Las Piñas Rep. and House Deputy Speaker Camille Villar at No. 10 with 13.65 million votes; and
- reelectionist Sen. Lito Lapid at No. 11 with 13.39 million votes.
The new senators will join incumbents to form the 20th Congress, which convenes in July. Miguel Angelo B. Marco
