Manila, May 13 -- Senators on Tuesday expressed their gratitude to the "other winners" of the midterm elections - the teachers, police officers, soldiers, Commission on Elections (Comelec) officials, media workers, and volunteers - who helped ensure a safe, orderly, and credible vote.

As the counting of votes nears completion, Senator Joel Villanueva said the country owes much to the public servants who worked behind the scenes to safeguard democracy.

"We thank our teachers for serving as vanguards of the ballots; our police and soldiers for keeping order and peace; and the volunteers, including health personnel, for manning the frontlines and attending to voters' various needs," he said in a statement.

He also commended the Comelec fo...