Philippine elections
Philippine elections

‘Naipasok si Dick at ang Kamao’: Netizens react to new senators

Rappler Social Media Team

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‘Naipasok si Dick at ang Kamao’: Netizens react to new senators
Social media users weigh in as the Philippines' 12 new senators are proclaimed

MANILA, Philippines – How are Filipinos taking the proclamation of their 12 newest senators? 

The winners of the May 2016 senatorial elections were proclaimed on Thursday, May 19, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). 

Here they are in a class photo:

 

The winning circle includes 5 new faces: Joel Villanueva, Manny Pacquiao, Risa Hontiveros, Win Gatchalian, and Leila de Lima.

Netizens couldn’t help but notice how Villanueva and Gatchalian look so much alike. Were they separated at birth? 



 

Some were apparently not pleased with Senate President Franklin Drilon’s reelection. Drilon topped the senatorial race with over 18.6 million votes.


 

Others were disappointed not to see the “Megastar” or the “Star for All Seasons” – the celebrity wives of Francis Pangilinan and Ralph Recto, respectively. Pangilinan is married to actress Sharon Cuneta, while Recto is the husband of actress-turned-politician Vilma Santos.

 

Speaking of celebrities, Vicente “Tito” Sotto III is returning to the Senate. In 2012, he drew flak for rejecting the reproductive health bill and for allegedly committing plagiarism.


 

Meanwhile, the Senate now has its own Pia Wurtzbach as it welcomes Risa Hontiveros, who finally won on her 3rd try.




 

Of course, netizens couldn’t pass up the chance to note that “Ipasok si Dick” (“Let Dick In”) came true this year. Richard “Dick” Gordon is making a comeback, and the playful phrase cropped up on social media feeds once more.



 

Here goes the sexual innuendos. 


 

One Twitter user was happy to see Dick get in, but not Manny Pacquiao – the so-called Pambansang Kamao (National Fist).


 

Pacquiao, arguably the most popular among all senators on the global stage, became a trending topic nationwide immediately after his proclamation. 

 

In 2013, Pacquiao, who represents Sarangani province and is the wealthiest member of the House – recorded the most number of absences, along with Negros Occidental Representative Jules Ledesma.

 





 

Of course, there are those – at least 16 million, actually – who are happy about the boxing superstar’s victory in the polls.

 

Now, how will Pacquiao perform at the Senate? Here’s what he had to say:

“As a Christian, hindi ata tama na mangako ka. Gagawin natin ang ating makakaya. For example, nangako ka na perfect attendance ka, pero nagkasakit ka, eh di ‘di mo natupad ang pangako mo.“

(As a Christian, it might not be right to make promises. I will just do my best. For example, you promised perfect attendance, but you became sick. Then you would be unable to fulfill your promise.)

 

Asked if he is in favor of the death penalty, Pacquiao said yes and added that it is “biblical.” A netizen reacted to that statement.


 

Does the Pacman inspire you to become what you want to be?



 

What do you think about our new senators? Share your thoughts on X! – with reports from John Paul Laban/Rappler.com

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