MANILA, Philippines – Reelectionist Sen. Bam Aquino failed to top the senatorial race even in his home province of Tarlac, based on the partial and unofficial tally of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) – Inquirer Transparency Server as of 2:56 p.m. on Wednesday.
The Otso Diretso senatorial contender ranked fourth in the province with 352,286 votes.
Only Aquino and former senator Mar Roxas made it to the Magic 12 in Tarlac based on early returns.
Another reelectionist, Sen. Grace Poe topped the Tarlac tally with 401,573 votes as of posting time.
Actor – politician Lito Lapid came in second with 382,123 votes, followed by administration-backed Sen. Cynthia Villar with 365, 611 votes.
Other allies of President Rodrigo Duterte leading in Tarlac are outgoing Taguig-Pateros 2nd District Rep. Pia Cayetano, incumbent Sen. Sonny Angara and Christopher “Bong” Go, who placed 5th to 7th, respectively.
Sen. Nancy Binay cornered the 8th spot, followed by outgoing Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, Roxas, former Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. and former Philippine National Police and Bureau of Corrections chief Ronald dela Rosa.
Sen. JV Ejercito is in 13th spot, so far. (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)