Last spot in ‘Magic 12’ a duel between Nancy and JV?

Senators Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito and Nancy Binay. INQUIRER FILE PHOTOS

MANILA, Philippines — Who would secure the last spot to complete the so-called Magic 12 in the senatorial race? At this point, it could be a bout between two reelectionist senators.

This, as only over 240,000 votes sets Nancy Binay apart from JV Ejercito, who were ranked 12th and 13th, respectively, in the data released by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) Tuesday evening.

As of 6:20 p.m., Binay garnered 14,130,611 votes while Ejercito got 13,882,914 votes.

In 2013, both candidates were successful in their senatorial bids with Binay placing 5th and Ejercito placing 11th.

Based on the latest unofficial results, reelectionist senators Cynthia Villar and Grace Poe lead the race with 24,509,114 votes and 21,426,018 votes, respectively.

Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go (19,874,191 votes), Pia Cayetano (19,156,910 votes), and former Philippine National Police chief Ronald de la Rosa (18,263,881 votes) also retained their ranks in the top five of the senatorial race.

Meanwhile, senatorial candidates in the 6th to 12th slots were Sonny Angara (17,620,407 votes), Lito Lapid (16,476,675 votes), Imee Marcos (15,376,842 votes), Francis Tolentino (14,957,833 votes), Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. (14,167,528 votes), Koko Pimentel (14,156,067 votes), and Nancy Binay (14,130,611 votes).

PPCRV has so far received 97.48 percent of election returns nationwide. /kga