‘Poll results a demand for accountability, human rights’
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday thanked Filipinos for ensuring the successful conduct of the 2025 midterm polls, extending his hand in nation-building, and describing the elections as “both a celebration of continuity and a call to act on the real challenges our people face.”
“Once again, our democracy has renewed itself—peacefully, orderly and with dignity,” he said, adding that there are issues that newly-elected leaders must “face head-on,” such as inflation, employment, and corruption, among others.
“To those who supported the candidates of Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas, thank you for your trust. We may not have won every seat, but our work and mission continue.”
“Governance is a shared responsibility, a mission that requires unity and burden sharing for the common good. To the newly elected, regardless of party or coalition, I extend my hand. Let us move forward together—with open minds and a common purpose,” the President added.
At least six Alyansa candidates made it to the winning circle based on the initial tally of Comelec — Erwin Tulfo, Ping Lacson, Tito Sotto III, Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid and Camille Villar. Villar, however, was also supported by Vice President Sara Duterte.
Three of the so-called ‘Duter-Ten’ candidates also made it to the Top 12, namely Bong Go, Bato dela Rosa and Rodante Marcoleta.
Presidential sister Imee Marcos, who left Alyansa to run as independent and was eventually supported by the Vice President, also landed in the Top 12, along with opposition-backed Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan.
The Vice President also welcomed the initial results of the 2025 midterm elections, expressing gratitude to supporters who helped five of her senatorial bets land in the Top 12.
“I acknowledge the results of the election and express my deep gratitude to all the supporters who stood with us throughout this journey. This is not the end—it’s a renewed beginning. We invite all citizens—regardless of background or past affiliation—to join us in building a powerful and principled opposition,” she said.
Renewed demand for accountability, human rights
The surprising strong performance of former Aquino and Pangilinan was a clear reflection of the Filipino people’s renewed demand for accountability and reform-oriented leadership, Stratbase Group President Dindo Manhit said.
“Their impressive return to the political stage defied early pre-election surveys, and their resurgence carries a powerful message from the Filipino people — a renewed demand for accountability, human rights, and reform-oriented leadership,” Manhit said.
“Running outside the shadows of the polarized Marcos and Duterte factions, they became symbols of principled, reformist alternatives. For many Filipinos, their votes for Aquino and Pangilinan served as a ‘revenge vote’ against political toxicity, corruption, and empty promises,” he said.
Manhit said the surge in support from young voters, who make up a significant portion of the electorate, was another key factor in their performance.
Cleve Arguelles of WR Numero Research added: “The infighting in the Solid North and Solid South made a pathway for them (Aquino and Pangilinan).”
He also likened the initial result of the Senate race to a bloodbath for celebrities.
Stronger opposition
Pangilinan said he believes it was a combination of correct messaging and the political divide between the Dutertes and the Marcos administration that made it possible for him and Aquino to enter the top 12 in the Senate race.
Pangilinan was referring to his message of “Hello Pagkain! Goodbye Gutom” and Aquino’s “Libreng Kolehiyo, Tiyak na Trabaho.”
Aquino said their tandem’s victory was due to the overwhelming support from young voters.
“This is unexpected…We did not expect to rank this high,” he said.
Former Vice President Leni Robredo said Aquino and Pangilinan’s good showing in the Senate race was proof that their supporters “did not lose hope after the 2022 debacle.”
Robredo and Pangilinan, with Aquino as their campaign manager, were defeated by the Marcos-Duterte tandem in the 2022 polls.
For her part, Senator Risa Hontiveros said the growing strength of the opposition in the Senate and the House of Representatives shows the Filipino people’s desire for principled governance.
“This is not just a simple comeback. This election proves that the Filipino masses still desire a government with compassion, principles, and the courage to stand firm,” she said.
Duterte factor
Dela Rosa, for his part, attributed his strong performance to the “protest votes” of those who are “very much aggrieved” on the detention of former President Rodrigo Duterte at The Hague.
“My high ranking in the election results came with a heavy price – the freedom of President Duterte. I rose (in the ranking) after President Duterte was transported to The Hague,” Dela Rosa said.
“We received huge votes. These are protest votes coming from the people who are very much aggrieved about what happened to former President Duterte,” he added.
Go likewise expressed gratitude after topping the 2025 Senate race.
“Truly, God is good. God is fair. I thank the Lord for his guidance, and the Filipino people for the trust and support you’ve given to a simple provenciano ready to serve the country,” he added.
Time to work together
Tulfo, for his part, said he is ready to work together with sitting senators and his fellow senator-elects—regardless of political affiliations.
“What the Filipinos need to see is a collaborating crop of senators and public officials, so my first order of business once officially elected to the Senate is I will talk to both sides.”
“We will sit down together with the Senate President, the opposition, and everyone because we only have six years to keep our promises to the people,” Tulfo added.
He said the perspective should now focus on working for Filipinos.
“We are at this point where we really must think of our next steps when it comes to work. We must make sure that we will not disappoint them and give them the service that they deserve from the government they elected,” Tulfo said.