MANILA, Philippines — Senatorial candidates backed by the administration are the top choices of overseas Filipino workers in China. Eight bets made it to the ‘Magic 12,’ with Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos leading the race.
Based on the Certificate of Canvass (COC) received by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from China, Marcos, who is endorsed by the Hugpong ng Pagbabago party (HNP), led the senatorial race with 31,957 votes.
Meanwhile, former police chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who ran under the ruling party, placed third with 30,934 votes while his party-mate, former presidential aide Christopher “Bong” Go, ranked fourth with 30,107 votes.
Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano, who is also endorsed by HNP, garnered 24,745 votes placing her in fifth place.
HNP-endorsed reelectionist Senator Cynthia Villar, who leads the overall race in the partial and official count of the Comelec, placed seventh with 22,339 votes. She was followed by former presidential adviser for political affairs Francis Tolentino with 20,219 votes.
Reelectionist Senator Sonny Angara placed 10th with 16,318 votes while another reelectionist senator, JV Ejercito, completed the top 12 with 12,304 votes.
Below is the list of top 15 senators voted by Filipinos in China:
Imee Marcos – 31,957 votes
Willie Ong – 30,969 votes
Bato – 30,934 votes
Bong Go – 30,107 votes
Pia Cayetano 24,745 votes
Glenn Chong – 22,730 votes
Villar – 22,339 votes
Francis Tolentino – 20,219 votes
Larry Gadon – 16,959 votes
Angara – 16,318 votes
Grace Poe – 13,009 votes
Ejercito – 12,304 votes
Dong – 11,957 votes
Raffy Alunan – 11,641 votes
Lito Lapid – 11,144 votes
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So far, 89 certificates of canvass (COCs) — or 53.29 percent of 167 COCs — from across the country and posts abroad had been canvassed by the Comelec, which sits as the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC). (Editor: Eden Estopace)