Corrupted SD cards delay proclamation of winners in Davao del Norte

TAGUM CITY — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) sitting as the Provincial Board of Canvassers here announced that the proclamation of winners in the congressional and gubernatorial race in Davao del Norte would be delayed because of the corrupted SD (Secure Digital) cards.

Lawyer Aimee Ampoloquio, Comelec provincial supervisor, told the Inquirer that three corrupted SD cards from Panabo City, Sto. Tomas town and Talaingod town were corrupted, causing a delay in the transmission of results to the Provincial Board of Canvassers.

“We are still waiting for the reconfigured results. Even the municipal board of canvassers from these areas have not yet proclaimed (the winners) because of one defective SD card. But the reconfiguration of the SD cards are ongoing in the Comelec regional office (in Davao City),” Ampoloquio said.

She said the reconfigured SD cards were expected to be here by noon so that the proclamation could proceed as expected.

“Hopefully, we can proclaim the winners within the day,” said Ampoloquio, adding that the results from Panabo, Sto. Tomas and Talaingod could not affect the outcomes of the congressional and gubernatorial race here.

Supporters of the winning candidates trooped to the legislative building here as early as 8 a.m. Tuesday to witness the historic proclamation of new winners, ending the decades-long reign of the Del Rosario-Floirendo political clan in the province.

Poised to be proclaimed winners are former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez for the congressional seat in Davao del Norte’s first district; outgoing Davao del Norte Vice Governor Allan Dujali for the 2nd district, based on the latest partial and unofficial vote tally of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting. (Editor: Leti Boniol)