From thank yous to new promises: What the 2025 Senate race winners said in their proclamation speeches

Bong Go to push for pro-poor programs

Go, who topped this year's senatorial race with 27 million votes, said that he will push for pro-poor programs focusing on health and education in his second term.

“Hinding-hindi ko po sasayangin ang tiwalang ibinigay ninyo,” Go said. 

He also thanked the rest of the "DuterTen" senatorial slate and gave a special mention to former president Rodrigo Duterte—his "inspiration and mentor."

“Huwag nating kalimutan ang kanyang mga sakripisyo para sa sambayanang Pilipino," he said. Duterte is currently detained in The Hague for alleged crimes against humanity in connection to his bloody war on drugs. 

Bam Aquino surprised at Top 2 finish

Aquino expressed his surprise at his Top 2 finish, noting that he's not part of the Top 20 in pre-election surveys. 

"Ito pong pagtakbo natin ay isang pagtakbo ng tiwala sa Diyos at sa taumbayan," he began.

He talked about the people he met from different sectors as he looked back on his campaign.

“‘Yung paulit-ulit po nilang hinihingi sa mga lingkod-bayan, sa mga tao na nais nilang makita sa Senado, ay isang Senado na magbibigay-lunas, magbibigay-tulong, magbibigay-solusyon sa mga problemang dinaranas ng ating mga kababayan," he said.

"Ako po, ang hangarin ko, ang pangarap ko, ang wish ko po para sa Senadong ito: Sana po lahat kami magsama-sama para tulungan ang taong bayan, para bigyang lunas ang mga problema na dinaranas ng ating mga kapwa Pilipino," he added.

He also thanked volunteers who helped him during the campaign season. 

Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa dedicates Senate win to Duterte

Dela Rosa gave a shoutout to the rest of the “DuterTen” candidates, saying they “fought a good fight.” He added, “Natutunan ko na puwede pala tayong mahalin ng taumbayan kahit wala tayong dala-dalang ayuda.”

He addressed his supporters, reiterating that the votes that were cast for him were "protest votes" for Duterte.

“Alam ko po ‘yung botong ibinigay ninyo sa akin, ‘yun po ay protest vote sa kinahinatnan ng ating dating pangulong Duterte.”

He then dedicated his victory to the former president. "Kaya nasaan ka man ngayon, [former] president Duterte, sir, I dedicate this victory to you," he said.

Erwin Tulfo calls for national unity

Tulfo called for unity as he takes his seat in the upper chamber.

“In these trying times of economic hardships, social divisions, and heightened political differences, there is but one powerful force that can carry us forward, and that is national unity," he said.

"Unity does not mean uniformity. It means finding common ground, listening to each other with respect, and working together despite our differences with one common goal: to move forward together as one nation,” he continued.

“Let us rise above politics… and above hatred," he added.

Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan: 'Walang kulay ang solusyon'

Pangilinan has made a Senate comeback, earning the fifth spot. He was not present at the event as it's his daughter Frankie's graduation in the United States.

His eldest sister Maricel Pangilinan-Arenas gave his message on his behalf.

"Panahon na para kilalanin at suportahan nang lubos ang Mindanao, hindi lang bilang food basket ng bansa kundi bilang mahalagang susi sa ating tagumpay laban sa kagutuman at kahirapan. Ang pagkain ay dapat abot-kaya ng lahat," she said, reading Pangilinan's proclamation speech.

"Walang kulay ang gutom, walang kulay ang solusyon, walang hinihintay ang awa. Bumabalik ako sa Senado, hindi lang dala ang mga pangako kundi ang layunin: magtrabaho, maglingkod, at manindigan para sa bawat Pilipinong nangangarap ng mas maayos at masaganang bukas."

"Maraming salamat sa tiwala. Panahon na para kumilos."

Rodante Marcoleta says he will continue to serve with honesty

Marcoleta promised to serve with honesty.

“Ang tagumpay na aking nakamit ay tagumpay po nating lahat. Para sa akin po, ito ay tagumpay na rin ng pag-iral ng demokrasya sa ating bansa," he said.

“Ito po ay sumasagisag sa isang mahalaga ngunit mabigat na pananagutan: ang paglilingkod nang may buong katapatan. Pagsisikapan ko po ito, ito ay aking balikatin hanggang sa aking mapatunayan sa inyong lahat na ako po ay karapat-dapat sa inyong ginawad na pagtitiwala," he continued.

"Ang kailangan po natin ngayon ay pagtutulungan, hindi hidwaan,” he added. "Ang anim na taon na ibinigay niyo sa akin ay hindi tungkol sa kapangyarihan, kundi sa pangingibabaw ng tapat na paglilingkod na inaasahan at inaasam ng rating kababayan."

Panfilo "Ping" Lacson: 'Ang tama ay ipaglaban, ang mali ay ilaban'

Lacson is set to serve his fourth term in the Senate. In his speech, he shared his learnings from his late parents: "Huwag na huwag kayong magnanakaw. Huwag ninyong kukunin ang hindi para sa inyo.”

He also shared his father's advice: "Ang tama ay ipaglaban, ang mali ay ilaban." This, he said, has been his guiding principle in serving the government for over 50 years.

Vicente "Tito" Sotto III to ensure proper implementation of laws

Sotto, who is now in his fifth term, said that he will focus on overseeing laws to ensure that they're implemented properly.

He noted that he will make sure that the budget of the government is used correctly, and make an effort to restore the Senate’s integrity.

"Makakaasa kayo na buong puso at kaisipan ko na kayo’y paglilingkuran," he said.

Pia Cayetano to return to the Senate 'with a humble heart'

Also a Senate returnee, Cayetano emphasized that fellow senators must be "willing to learn" when serving during the changing times. 

“I will show up with a humble heart. I know that the Senate will stand up and be the leaders that this country deserves. So, ako po ay nagpapakumbaba muli at nagpapasalamat sa inyong tiwala sa akin and I’m ready to serve my fourth term,” she said.

Camille Villar to work 'twice as hard'

Villar turned emotional during her proclamation speech as she thanked her family, including billionaire Manny Villar, her mom Cynthia, and his brother, incumbent senator Mark, for their support in her journey.

“With all humility, tinatanggap ko po ang responsibilidad at karangalan na ito. I promise that I will work twice as hard, that I will stand twice as firm, and that I will serve with all my heart and exhibit leadership,” Villar said. 

“Iingatan ko po ang inyong tiwala at suporta," she added. 

Lito Lapid: 'Sisipagan pa natin'

Lapid is also set to serve his fourth term after making it to the Magic 12.

“Pang-apat na term ko na po ito bilang Senador, at gagawin ko po ang lahat ng aking magagawa. Sisipagan pa natin, maghahanap po tayo ng batas na para sa mamamayang Pilipinong mahihirap,” he said in his speech. 

Imee Marcos: 'Kapag ikaw ay nanindigan para sa tama, mananalo ka'

Marcos, who is returning for a second term, thanked her family, former president Duterte, and VP Sara for their support.

"Sa aking nanay na 96 years old na at kasama ng aking mga anak na kailanman 'di nagduda na ako'y mananalo; Kay presidente Duterte, ang ating dating pangulo, na Oktubre pa lamang, itinaas na ang aking kamay; at sa kanyang anak na hanggang sa huling sandali, si VP Inday Sara, na ako'y kinakampanya, sa inyong lahat ang tagumpay na ito," she said.

"Kahit gaano kailap at kahirap ay isang katibayan na kapag ikaw ay nanindigan para sa tama, mananalo ka," Marcos added.

The proclaimed winners are no strangers to legislative work as they have previously served as senators and members of the House of Representatives. And since they've authored bills before, here's a look back at their most noteworthy laws.