The 12 new senators were proclaimed Wednesday by the Commission on Elections. They will join their 12 other colleagues in the new Congress, slated to start in July.
Among those proclaimed, there were four newcomers, five reelectionists and three returning to their previous posts.
The proclamation had been deferred due to transmission glitches that caused some quarters to doubt the results of the May 13 polls. While the Comelec feels it has tried its best, many are unconvinced that it has explained the glitches adequately.
Nonetheless, the winners have been proclaimed, and those who did not win have conceded. The victors, none of whom came from the opposition, have posed for the cameras and are no doubt assembling their teams and preparing themselves for the work—and the perks that come with it.
On social media, the battle between the administration’s supporters and critics continue, with the latter group woeing the results of the proclamation and saying the nation squandered an opportunity to bring good people to the Senate.
Many of the winners have the baggage of controversies and dark histories. Some are bringing apparently nothing at all—not even the rudiments of lawmaking. They should begin to act as their office demands and deserves. People may not know better now, but they will, soon, and in many other ways.
Meanwhile, just as soon as the new lawmakers are sworn in, the work toward the next elections begins. If we are not happy with the way the polls were conducted and how they turned out, it is never too late to begin not just airing our grievances, but more positively, helping elevate Filipinos’ selection and decision-making process.
It’s a long way, but we will get there.
