WR Numero Research's Professor Robin Garcia say the mixed composition of the top 6 senators in the partial and unofficial count may be a reflection of how voters feel about the first few years of the current administration.

This as Erwin Tulfo, currently placed 4th, is the lone Alyansa bet in the top half of the so-called "Magic 12" of senators. Ahead of him are Duterte allies Bong Go and Bato Dela Rosa, placing 1st and 3rd respectively, and Bam Aquino at 2nd. Rounding out the list is Kiko Pangilinan and Rodante Marcoleta. 

Professor Cleve Arguelles, also from WR Numero Reasearch, adds that there are a lot of "surprises" in this year's elections, mainly the "good showing" of returning senators Aquino and Pangilinan, along with neophyte upper chamber member Marcoleta.