9-3 for Team PNoy in Senate race

The proclamation of 3 new senators completed the victory of the administration ticket on May 18, in midterm elections seen as a referendum on the President and a preview of the 2016 presidential elections. The national board of canvassers on May 18 proclaimed Cynthia Villar, JV Ejercito, and Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan as Philippine senators. Other senators-elect who attended the proclamation included Nancy Binay and Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III. Both were proclaimed earlier but held off attending their own proclamation ceremonies. The proclamation of the last 3 senators means that of the 12 senators to assume office in June, 9 will come from the Liberal Party (LP)-led coalition, Team PNoy, and only 3 from the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA). Political analysts have said the midterm elections would test the influence of President Benigno Aquino III, who chairs the LP. It is also a preparation for the presidential elections in 2016. LP’s Mar Roxas is expected to face off with UNA’s Jejomar Binay for the presidency.


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