Comelec proclaims unopposed winner in Quezon congressional race

Reelected Rep. Helen Tan (NPC) from Quezon province’s 4th district has been officially proclaimed as the winner after the tabulation of complete election returns Wednesday night. Photo from the Facebook page of Rep. Helen Tan

LUCENA CITY –- The provincial board of canvassers has finally proclaimed one of the victors in the congressional race in Quezon.

Reelected Rep. Helen Tan (NPC) from the province’s 4th district has been officially proclaimed as the winner after the tabulation of complete election returns Wednesday night.

Tan obtained 171,181 votes in the final tally. The 4th district has 273,864 registered voters but only 208,470 voted.

Tan was unopposed but the board of canvassers, under the rules of the Commission on Elections, is not allowed to proclaim her as the victor, without the complete election returns from her district.

“Numerous” defective SD cards have been preventing the proclamation of other winning candidates in the province, according to lawyer Sheryl Moresca-Julie, head of the Comelec in Quezon.

Based on unofficial tallies of the local Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting and different media tabulations, the three other presumptive winners in the congressional race awaiting their proclamations are outgoing Gov. David Suarez, Danilo’s son, (2nd district); former Rep. Mark Enverga, who was also unopposed (1st district); and come-backing former Rep. Aleta Suarez (3rd district).

Rep. Danilo Suarez, who ran for governor, and his running mate reelectionist Sam Nantes, who were both sure of their victories, are also waiting for their formal proclamation as poll winners.

Canvassing of votes continues Thursday. (Editor: Leti Boniol)