PPCRV

The votes of Gen Z and millennials, among other factors, that propelled Aquino and Pangilinan to top spots in the Senate race.

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"It's a result of a combination of factors — from voices of the Gen Z/millennials being heard, to effective ground campaigning, to a tactical alliance and support from voters of other candidates previously not aligned with like (Manny) Pacquiao, (Benhur) Abalos and (Rodante) Marcoleta endorsed by (Leni) Robredo," Alvia told The STAR.

In pre-election surveys, Aquino had consistently stayed at the bottom of or outside the Magic 12, while Pangilinan never made it at all in the winning circle. Aquino would eventually end up second place and Pangilinan, fifth.

The youth — aged between 18 and 30 — represented 35 percent of registered voters who cast their votes last May 12.

"The youth are very, very different because they show us their votes. You should see the votes in the schools, they are very different from the ones you see in the surveys. So, I'm not surprised with some of those that you seem to be surprised with. Why? Because I saw them when I was in the schools. They (Aquino and Pangilinan) were coming up in the school surveys," Singson said.

She said results of nationwide surveys were different from those done at schools and universities.

During her visits to schools for PPCRV's Tibok Pinoy, Values Development Program, Singson said she would feel irritated whenever anyone would blurt out the mantra the "youth are the gift of the future."