MANILA.-- Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families practically junked the whole administration senatorial ticket in mock polls conducted in seven countries.

The internationally coordinated mock elections, organized by Migrante and dubbed "Pulso ng OFWs, Pulso ng Pamilya [Pulse of the OFWs, Pulse of the Family]: 2007 Mock Senatorial Elections," were held between April 8 and 15 in Canada, Australia, The Netherlands, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and the Philippines and involved 2,145 OFWs.

The results showed the Genuine Opposition (GO) taking nine seats, independent candidates two and only reelectionist Senator Ralph Recto making it from TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More) Unity.

The candidates who made it to the so-called "Magic 12" are: Loren Legarda (GO) 1,778, Manuel Villar (GO) 1,392, Alan Cayetano (GO) 1,277, Francis Escudero (GO) 1,251, Francis Pangilinan (independent) 1,186, Benigno Aquino III (GO) 981, Recto (TEAM Unity) 956, Sonia Roco (GO) 908, Gregorio Honasan (independent) 775, and Anna Dominique Coseteng (GO) 745.

Occupying the 13th to 15th spots were John Osmeña (GO) 722, Edgardo Angara (TU) 670, and Vicente Sotto (TU) 667.

In a statement, Migrante International chairperson Connie Bragas-Regalado said the results, more than being votes for GO, are "votes against [President Gloria Macapagal] Arroyo and her lackeys."

"[They] reflect the general sentiment of the people against this regime's anti-migrant and anti-people policies," she added.

Regalado again challenged the candidates, particularly those who made it to the winning circle of the mock polls, to come up with a platform for migrant workers and their families.

The mock polls were organized by Migrante ally Siklab in Winnipeg, Migrante-Japan in Nagoya, Migrante-Australia in Sydney, Migrante-Netherlands in Amsterdam, Migrante-Taiwan in Taipei, United Filipinos in Hong Kong-Migrante in Hong Kong, and Katipunan ng Samahan ng Migranteng Pilipino sa Korea in Seoul.

The mock polls in the Philippines were held for returning OFWs and their families in Manila and Quezon City, mobile polling stations at the Department of Foreign Affairs, on Kalaw Street in Manila among seafarers, and the POEA.