By Vanne Elaine Terrazola
Reelectionist senators were elated for their inclusion in the possible victors of the May 13, 2019 midterm elections as bared by the latest Pulse Asia survey.
Senator Grace Poe, who topped the possible Top 12 of the senatorial race in the Pulse Asia December survey, said she was "humbled" of the people's support for her.
Senator Grace Poe (Manila Bulletin File Photo)
She attributed her being the top choice for senator to her "hard work, prayer and the legacy of my father," referring to the late actor Fernando Poe Jr.
"We are humbled by the unwavering support of our kababayan. This will serve both as an inspiration and challenge to continue working hard, grateful to the people for giving us the chance to help make lives a little better. Sa aking mga kababayan, maraming salamat po (To my countrymen, thank you very much)," Poe said in a statement.
Sen. Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara said he was relieved of securing the third to fourth place in the survey along with Taguig Representative Pia Cayetano, who is also seeking a return in the Upper Chamber.
"We are relieved, grateful and very thankful for the latest results. With the new year and these results come a new resolve to do better and work harder for our people’s benefit," Angara said.
Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel, for his part, said he was happy to have secured a spot in the survey even without much exposure and advertisements. He shared the fifth to seventh spot along with Sen. Nancy Binay and former senator Lito Lapid.
"I am glad to be ranking although I have no TV exposure, advertisement as of the moment. I will just continue to explain to the people what my plans are as well as the PDP LABAN's," said the lawmaker, who is president of the ruling Partido Demokratiko ng Pilipinas-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-LABAN).
Sen. Paolo "Bam" Aquino, meanwhile, said he was also glad that his rank is improving in the Pulse Asia survey.
To recall, Aquino was kicked out of the possible Magic 12 in the September poll due to the inclusion of his cousin, actress and host Kris Aquino, in the list amid rumors of her election bid.
Despite his return in the top 12, the opposition senator, however, noted that "mahaba pa po ang laban (the fight is not over yet)."
Aquino said he remains optimistic that he will be able to emerge as a winner "through the help and support" of the people.
Aside from the five reelectionist lawmakers, Sens. Cynthia Villar (2nd) and Joseph Victor Ejercito (9th-16th) also made it to possible top 12 of the midterm polls.