By Vanne Elaine Terrazola
Senator Grace Poe on Wednesday thanked her supporters for voting for her reelection in the May 13 midterm polls.
Senatorial reelectionist Grace Poe insterts her ballot after voting at Sta. Lucia Elementary School in San Juan Tuesday, May 13, 2019. (ALVIN KASIBAN / MANILA BULLETIN)
While she has yet to be proclaimed, Poe is already claiming victory in this year's polls after she ranked second in the initial results of the senatorial race.
Based on partial and unofficial tally released by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) as of 4:01 p.m. Wednesday, Poe garnered 21,628,479 votes from the 96.54 percent of the overall Election Returns.
Partial and official results from the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC) as of 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, meanwhile, showed Poe having 3,650,288 votes.
The independent senatorial candidate followed Sen. Cynthia Villar, who consistently topped in both tallies.
"Our win is a triumph of independence for the Filipino people who stood by our side. Our sincerest gratitude for the overwhelming mandate," Poe said in a statement.
"We ran an independent campaign, no political party, few organized groups, without a deep well of resources," she added.
Poe also assured that she will remain independent and prioritize the interest of the public in continuing her term in the next Congress.
"When we step on the halls of the Senate anew and face the people, we shall carry nothing but their interest and well-being," she promised.
"We vow to remain independent, discerning and equitable, bearing in mind and heart that we owe the people our position," she added. #MatalinongBoto2019