A historic election night: Unprecedented results and upsets
In a groundbreaking turn of events, Monday’s (May 12, 2025) elections have marked a pivotal moment in our electoral history. For the first time, we witnessed the absence of the usual partial unofficial quick count that typically follows the 7 p.m. poll closing. The PPCRV faced significant challenges in accessing the transmitted election returns from precincts to the Comelec server. By 8 p.m., the PPCRV was still unable to provide a public tally, despite the Comelec server indicating it had received votes from nearly half of the total precincts.
Fortunately, the Kapisanan ng Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) media server stepped in, releasing crucial election returns that were broadcast by member radio stations. The initial results showed a staggering 8 million votes for frontrunner Bong Go, shocking many with the speed of incoming results. By 10:45 p.m., the tally had surged to 25 million votes for the leader, while the 12th candidate was separated by mere thousands from those just below.
After four hours, nearly 75 percent of the total election returns had been counted, revealing unexpected newcomers in the top 12, including Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan, while pre-election favorites like Ben Tulfo, Willie Revillame, Bong Revilla, Manny Pacquiao, Abby Binay, and Francis Tolentino were seemingly rejected. The people have spoken, and it’s clear that the dynamics of our political landscape are shifting. Kudos to the Comelec for their Miru systems and the LIVE Vote Counter of GMA Integrated News, which provided timely and accurate results, calming the tense atmosphere of the evening.
Shocking upsets across the National Capital Region
The local elections in the National Capital Region were rife with surprises and close calls. Outgoing Senator Cynthia Villar suffered a shocking defeat to independent candidate former councilor Mark Anthony Santos, losing by 31,758 votes. Her nephew, Carlo Aguilar, also faced a significant loss to cousin April Aguilar, highlighting the unpredictable nature of this election cycle.
In Manila, Congressman Benny Abante lost by a mere 3,000 votes to councilor Joey Uy, while Amado Bagatsing, despite his alliance with Isko Moreno, fell short against incumbent Irwin Tieng. The Lopez clan faced another heartbreaking defeat in Tondo, with Carlo Lopez losing by just 7,000 votes.
In Quezon City, the race between incumbent Marvin Rillo and Bong Suntay remains too close to call, with Rillo leading by only 835 votes. Meanwhile, in Caloocan, former Rep. Egay Erice achieved a decisive victory over incumbent Mitch Cajayon-Uy, winning by 30,000 votes.
Other notable results include Edwin Olivarez’s triumphant return as mayor of Parañaque, defeating his rivals by a staggering 70,000 votes, and Senator Nancy Binay’s resounding win in Makati, where she outperformed her brother-in-law, Rep. Luis Campos, by over 30,000 votes.
In Parañaque, Bicol Saro Party-list representative Brian Yamsuan upset incumbent Gus Tambunting by over 11,000 votes.
Malabon incumbent mayor Jenny Sandoval was reelected but her husband, Ricky, lost to former mayor Len Oreta in its lone district. Husband and wife team Bem and Rep. Jaye Lacson-Noel were both defeated.
In Valenzuela, neophyte Kenneth Gatchalian is fighting tooth and nail to defeat former vice mayor and councilor Tony Espiritu. The latest count has Gatchalian leading by only 1,299 votes.
In Taguig, Rep. Pammy Zamora lost by more than 20,000 votes to newcomer Jorge Bocobo–barangay captain of Fort Bonifacio and president of Taguig barangays. In the other district, Direk Lino Cayetano lost to his mayor-sister in law’s choice, Rep. Ading Cruz, by more than 50,000 votes. Pateros, on the other hand, has a new mayor in former city administrator Geral German who defeated councilor Ronaldo Miranda by just 4,000 votes.
In San Juan, Francis Zamora beat fellow cager Philip Cesar while his sister, congresswoman Bel Zamora, may have ended the Estrada-Ejercito dynasty with a resounding win over JV and Jinggoy-backed Jana Ejercito.
As I’ve said in an earlier column , Isko Moreno’s return as Manila mayor was almost a sureball. Also, other well loved incumbents like Vico Sotto of Pasig, Joy Belmonte of Quezon City, Emy Calixto of Pasay, Ruffy Biazon of Muntinlupa, Lani Cayetano of Taguig, Menchie Abalos of Mandaluyong, Jay Tiangco of Navotas, and Wes Gatchalian of Valenzuela were reelected.
As we move forward from this historic election night, it is essential to recognize the implications of these results on our political landscape. The unexpected outcomes signal a shift in voter sentiment, reflecting a desire for fresh perspectives and a break from traditional political dynasties. This election has demonstrated that the electorate is not afraid to challenge established figures and embrace newcomers who resonate their asprations.
Moreover, the results in local elections reveal a growing trend of independent candidates gaining traction, as seen in the victories of Mark Anthony Santos against Cynthia Villar and others. This shift indicates a growing disenchantment with traditional party politics and a yearning for leaders who prioritize the needs of their constituents over political affiliations.
In conclusion, let this this serve as a powerful reminder of the strength of democracy and the voice of the people. It is a call to action for all elected officials to rise to the occasion and deliver on their commitments.
