Comelec defers proclamation of election winners

MANILA, Philippines – The proclamation of the victorious Senate race candidates and party-list group representatives in the May midterm elections will not push through on Tuesday, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said.

“It looks like today is not the day (for the proclamation),” Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said in a press briefing.

The Comelec, sitting as the National Board of Canvassers, is currently waiting for the certificate of canvass (COC) from Washington DC in the United States.

The poll body has so far canvassed 166 out of 167 COCs for the May 13 midterm elections.

“We have to wait for the (election) returns for Washington because they represent more than 200,000 registered voters. So in order to make sure na wala nang movement sa ranking ng mga elected officials, we need to get that,” he said.

Jimenez explained that the returns from Los Angeles caused the delay in Washington.

The proclamation of the Senate race winners was initially set on Tuesday.

The proclamation of party-list group representatives was scheduled Wednesday evening.

The poll body is eyeing to proclaim Senate race winners and party-list representatives on the same day on a still to be determined date.  (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)