Aquino ‘rushed’ to PICC after getting Comelec call on proclamation

ALL ALONE. Senator-elect Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV of the Liberal Party coalition poses with his wife after receiving his certificate of proclamation from the Commission and Elections Friday, May 17, 2013 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). Partymates Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, and Antonio Trillanes IV were also proclaimed but were no-shows. NOY MORCOSO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines – When Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV got the call from the Commission on Elections to go to the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), he “rushed” to get there.

“That’s why I’m here. I just got call at around 4:30 to 5 p.m. and we rushed here,” said Aquino who at 36 is the youngest senator-elect from his batch.

Aquino, partymates from the Liberal Party coalition Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Antonio Trillanes IV were proclaimed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Friday night with less than 50 percent of the certificates of candidacy (CoCs) counted or 117 of 301 for 38.87 percent.

As of last count by the Comelec, sitting as the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC), Aquino is ranked seventh while Pimentel is at 8^th and Trillanes, 9^th.

Trillanes and Pimentel did not attend the proclamation, questioning its legality.

But Aquino thinks otherwise.

“I think the Comelec has answered the questions. I’m just happy to be proclaimed,” he told reporters.

Pressed for comment, Aquino, cousin of President Benigno Aquino III, maintained that he was not one to question the Comelec’s decision.

“I am excited to begin working as a senator,” he said.

Aquino said that he has thanked the President for supporting him during the campaign.

On Thursday, the Comelec proclaimed Grace Poe, Loren Legarda, Alan Peter Cayetano, Francis Escudero, Nancy Binay, and Juan Edgardo Angara.

Binay, the daughter of Vice President Jejomar Binay, did not attend, preferring to wait for “every vote” to be counted.