Votes for opposition candidates herald renewed hope for 2028 polls

Metro Manila, Philippines - While outside the winning circle, opposition candidates that received millions of votes in the senatorial race were a source of renewed hope for other voters for the next 2028 elections.

On social media, supporters of candidates classified as “alternative” — or for others “true opposition” — urged them not to get tired of running in the next election cycle.

Former Commission on Audit commissioner Heidi Mendoza, a candidate campaigned for by some supporters of the Kiko-Bam tandem, got at least 8.6 million votes, according to partial and unofficial results as of Tuesday afternoon, May 13.

Labor leader and senatorial candidate Luke Espiritu noted that he also received more votes in the 2025 elections compared to his performance in the 2022 general polls.

The unofficial tally showed he received around 6 million votes, almost doubling his over 3 million votes in the 2022 polls.

“Di matatawaran ang pwersang ito kontra dinastiya,” Espiritu posted on Facebook on Monday evening. “Dapat manginig na sila. Tuloy ang laban!”

[Translation: The force against dynasties is unquestionable. They should cower in fear. Our fight continues!]

Espiritu banked on an anti-dynasty campaign, claiming a “new generation of voters” supported such a platform. He ran with Leody de Guzman, his fellow leader at the Bukluran ng mga Manggagawang Pilipino, who got at least 4 million votes.

Netizen Luigi also noted that some candidates from the progressive Makabayan coalition garnered millions of votes.

“Hindi pasok ng Magic 12 pero proof of concept to! More more organize for 2028!!!” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

[Translation: They are not within the Magic 12, but this is a proof of concept. We have to organize for 2028!]

From the 11-member Makabayan coalition, those that breached the 3-million mark as of Tuesday afternoon were:

• Teddy Casiño, former Bayan Muna representative

• - Arlene Brosas, outgoing Gabriela representative

• - Danilo Ramos, farmers group leader and first-time senatorial candidate

• - Liza Maza, former National Anti-Poverty Commission lead convenor

• Ronnel Arambulo, fisherfolk leader and first-time senatorial candidate

• France Castro, outgoing ACT Teachers representative.

On his X account, Ramos expressed gratitude for the millions of votes and the various modes of support he received along the campaign trail.

“Umasa po kayo, patuloy kaming kikilos, kasama kayo, para sa kagalingan-interes ng taumbayan,” he said.

[Translation: We assure you we will continue the movement, along with you, for the well-being and interests of the masses.]

There were 62 candidates in the senatorial race during the May elections. Most in the winning circle were either administration-backed bets or those supported by former President Rodrigo Duterte.