A set of 12 new senators—all with names ​already familiar to the Filipino people—​were proclaimed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday, May 17, to form part of the upcoming 20th Congress.

The proclamation of the new senators--some first-timers and some returning--​was held just five days after the conclusion of the 2025 mid-term elections--the fastest canvassing ever done.

The polls also made history with the highest voter turnout for a non-presidential race.

"Isang patunay ito na unti-unti, mas maraming mga Pilipino ang mulat sa kapangyarihan kaugnay ng kanilang mga boto at sa bisa ng balota para sa magandang bukas (It's a proof that many Filipinos are now aware of the power of their votes and their ballots in attaining a good future)," Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said as he led the proclamation of winners at the Manila Hotel Tent City.

The strong participation of youth voters​, mostly "millenials and Gen Zs", well as a heightened public awareness in the lead-up to the elections caused the voters' turnout to spike to 82.20 percent, according to ​Garcia.

​"Hindi na sila maaaring paratangan o pagbintangan na nananatili sa gilid ng kasaysayan. Nakita na natin na sila mismo ang humahabi ng ating kasaysayan (We can no longer accused them of staying on the side of history... We have seen them participate in making history)," Garcia said.

Of the 12 newly-elected senators, 10 are returning to the halls of the Senate​: senators Bong Go, Bato dela Rosa, Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid and Imee Marcos won a fresh six-year term, while senators-elect Bam Aquino, Kiko Pangilinan, Ping Lacson, Tito Sotto have already served as senators in past Congresses.

​Meanwhile, the remaining two—​ACT-CIS Party-list Representative and Senator-elect Erwin Tulfo and SAGIP Party-list Representative and Senator-elect Rodante Marcoleta—will be making the move from the lower chamber to the upper Chamber for the first time.

​The Comelec en banc, sitting as the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC), convened at 3:18 p.m. and adjourned its session at 5:07 p.m. to proclaim the winners.

In a future marked by the runaway prices of basic goods, inefficient public transportation, and worrisome flash points in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), among other big issues, Filipinos have put their trust in this new set of senators.

In an interview with the media right after their proclamation, Senator Marcos, Villar, Sotto, Tulfo, and Go gave their respective ideas on the measures they will prioritize in the upcoming Congress.

Senator Marcos--who wore his father the late president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s barong to symbolize her carrying his aspirations--

Villar said she would strengthen the support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), while Sotto said he would launch a fight against fake news. Meanwhile, Tulfo would push for a review of the Rice Tariffication Law as well as address deadly incidents of road rage.

Go, who secured the most number of votes, said he would pursue for food security.

The senators-elect will also serve senator-judges in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte at the start of the 20th Congress in July.

Senator Marcos, who eventually became a vocal supporter of Duterte and a critic of her own brother, President Marcos, said she will rely on the evidence that will be presented by the House prosecutors.

Lacson, for his part, advised the prosecutors to prepare credible evidence if they really want to ensure a conviction against the Vice President. He believed Duterte shouldn't be convicted if the evidence is weak, but must not also be acquitted if the evidence is strong.

Meanwhile, Marcoleta says he is already prepared to debate Duterte's impeachment case as he believes that the complaint has "undergone a wrong process" at the House.