Bong Go Secures Top Spot in 2025 Philippine Senatorial Race Amid PDP-Laban Dominance

1. BONG GO(PDP Laban)26,462,999

2. BAM AQUINO(KNP)20,627,141

3.BATO DELA ROSA(PDP Laban)20,250,311

4.ERWIN TULFO(Lakas CMD)16,804,842

5.KIKO PANGILINAN(LP)15,079,964

6.RODANTE MARCOLETA(IND)14,895,531

7.PING LACSON(IND)14,849,019

8.TITO SOTTO(NPC)14,589,949

9.PIA CAYETANO(NP)14,298,542

10.CAMILLE VILLAR(NP)13,350,470

11.LITO LAPID(NPC)13,110,129

12.IMEE R. MARCOS(NP)13,028,317

MANILA — Former presidential aide and incumbent Senator Bong Go of PDP-Laban clinched a decisive victory in the 2025 midterm senatorial elections, securing over 26.4 million votes and leading a race marked by the resurgence of established political blocs and the entry of media personalities into national office.

With 99% of votes tallied by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Go’s commanding lead underscored PDP-Laban’s continued influence, as fellow party member Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, a former national police chief, claimed third place with 20.25 million votes. Opposition candidate Bam Aquino of the KNP (Kilusang Ng Pagbabago) coalition trailed in second with 20.6 million votes, signaling a competitive race for the upper chamber’s 12 seats.

Key Results and Notable Performances

The top 12 candidates, who will serve six-year terms in the Senate, reflect a mix of political veterans, independents, and newcomers:

1. Bong Go (PDP-Laban): 26,462,999

2. Bam Aquino (KNP): 20,627,141

3. Bato dela Rosa (PDP-Laban): 20,250,311

4. Erwin Tulfo (Lakas-CMD): 16,804,842

5. Kiko Pangilinan (Liberal Party): 15,079,964

6. Rodante Marcoleta (Independent): 14,895,531

7. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson (Independent): 14,849,019

8. Tito Sotto (NPC): 14,589,949

9. Pia Cayetano (Nacionalista Party): 14,298,542

10. Camille Villar (Nacionalista Party): 13,350,470

11. Lito Lapid (NPC): 13,110,129

12. Imee R. Marcos (Nacionalista Party): 13,028,317

Party Dynamics and Political Shifts

PDP-Laban’s strong showing reaffirms its foothold in national politics, with Go and Dela Rosa leveraging ties to former President Rodrigo Duterte. Meanwhile, Lakas-CMD, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s allies, saw media figure Erwin Tulfo secure fourth place, capitalizing on his populist appeal.

The opposition Liberal Party’s Kiko Pangilinan, placing fifth, highlighted residual support despite the party’s waning dominance. Independents Marcoleta and Lacson disrupted traditional party lines, capturing sixth and seventh spots—a shift analysts attribute to voter frustration with partisan gridlock.

The Nacionalista Party (NP) demonstrated strategic depth with three candidates in the top 12, including veteran legislator Pia Cayetano and President Marcos’ sister, Imee Marcos, whose narrow entry at 12th place drew attention given her familial ties to the administration.

Voter Sentiment and Analysis

Political analyst Dr. Maria Santos noted, “This election reflects a balancing act—voters rewarded continuity with PDP-Laban’s security-focused platforms but also diversified with independents and NP candidates advocating economic reforms.”

Bam Aquino’s robust performance, echoing his cousin Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s legacy, signaled lingering nostalgia for the Aquino brand of liberal governance. Meanwhile, Tulfo’s success underscored the growing clout of media personalities in policymaking.

Implications for the Senate

The incoming Senate is poised to remain a battleground, with PDP-Laban and NP factions likely to push infrastructure and anti-insurgency agendas, while opposition and independent senators advocate for social welfare and transparency measures.

As the Philippines navigates post-pandemic recovery and geopolitical tensions, the chamber’s composition will shape critical debates on sovereignty, economic equity, and constitutional reform.

— Reporting contributed by regional bureaus. Final results to be certified by COMELEC on May 20.

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