It’s official: 8-4-1 for PPC

After 22 days of counting more than 30 million ballots amid an exchange of cheating accusations from rival parties, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) proclaimed yesterday the 13 winners of the 2001 Senate derby.

The official tally of the National Board of Canvassers showed the administration People Power Coalition (PPC) prevailing over the opposition by a score of 8-4, even as an independent emerged as topnotcher.

In ceremonies at the Westin Philippine Plaza hotel in Pasay City, the Comelec led by Chairman Alfredo Benipayo proclaimed eight winning candidates from the PPC, giving the administration a slight majority in the all-important Senate which should allow for the passage of crucial economic bills.

Named to the winning circle were Joker Arroyo, Franklin Drilon, Juan Flavier, Ramon Magsaysay Jr., Francisco Pangilinan, Ralph Recto, Sergio Osmeña III and Manuel Villar. Two of the winners – Arroyo and Osmeña – failed to attend the ceremonies.

Opposition senators-elect from the Puwersa ng Masa (PnM) coalition include Gregorio Honasan and Panfilo Lacson, two men accused by Mrs. Arroyo of masterminding a plot to overthrow her.

Also proclaimed were Luisa Ejercito, the political neophyte wife of Mrs. Arroyo’s jailed predecessor Joseph Estrada, and former Executive Secretary Edgardo Angara.

Broadcaster Noli de Castro, who ran independently but was adopted by the PnM, topped the Senate race with more than 16 million votes.

President Arroyo, who attended the official proclamation of the results as a guest of honor, later told a press conference that she would be praying that the 12th Congress would be supportive of her administration’s legislative agenda.

Only 13 seats in the 24-member Senate were contested in the May 14 polls. With eight administration candidates winning, the President will have 12 senators and should be able to win over about two more independent-minded senators, analysts said.

The elections were seen as a proxy battle between Mrs. Arroyo and Estrada, who was deposed in a people power uprising in January.

While giving her a working majority in the Senate, the results fell way short of the crushing 13-0 victory she had campaigned for.

The President admitted that leadership in both chambers of Congress was crucial in helping push the administration’s policies.

"It is important that the leadership supports me," she said.

PPC spokesman Conrado Limcaoco said the victory gives the administration enough numbers to elect a Senate president and a House speaker.

"We will re-assert leadership in both chambers of Congress and ask those who want to coalesce to join us in pursuing the ideals of people power II, or the new politics for the poor," Limcaoco said.

Poll officials noted the PPC is also headed for a majority in the House of Representatives. Results are likely to be announced later this month.

Limcaoco said it was too early to identify a possible Senate president or speaker but expressed confidence that whoever the party supports will eventually be chosen.

Villar dedicated his victory to the millions of homeless and poverty-stricken Filipinos.

"I humbly, wholeheartedly accept the resounding mandate given to me by the Filipino people. That over 11 million Filipinos have chosen me is indeed overwhelming," the former House Speaker said.

He vowed to devote all his efforts to craft and support legislation that will move toward providing decent homes for Filipino families and create employment and livelihood opportunities. – With Perseus Echeminada