The rise of the Mindanao vote

Looking through the various results of senatorial elections in key Mindanao cities two realizations come to mind.

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Looking through the various results of senatorial elections in key Mindanao cities two realizations come to mind.

First is the unprecedented results of Senator Bong Go. Seeing the final Comelec results, never in the history of Philippine senatorial elections after World War II has a Mindanaoan placed first in this important race.

Note that during the Commonwealth period prior to the Second World War, Philippine Senators were elected by senatorial district, rather than at large. This is why I reference senatorial elections to have taken place after the Second World War when they were elected at large, meaning sxxdenators are elected by all voters.

All senatorial topnotchers were from Luzon, such as former Senate President Jovito Salonga who topped the 1965, 1971 and 1987 senatorial races. The only other notable senate election performance from Mindanao was that of Alejandro Almendras from Davao who placed second to Salonga in the 1965 election.