Ex-Comelec chair Brillantes to represent Marcos in vote canvassing

Former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Sixto Billantes Jr. on Friday said that he will represent vice presidential candidate and Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. at the canvassing of votes at the Congress.

“I will be representing Bongbong in the Congressional. Not here kasi congressional ang canvass (because the canvass is congressional),” Brillantes told reporters at the Philippine International Convention Center on Friday.

The Congress will convene on May 25 at the latest according to Senate President Franklin Drilon, to serve as the National Board of Canvassers which will proclaim the president and the vice president.

READ: Congress to convene as canvassers board on May 25

The son and namesake of former President Ferdinand Marcos is trailing behind Liberal Party vice presidential bet and Camarines Sur representative Maria Leonora “Leni” Robredo in the race for the second highest post in the land.

Brillantes, who was Comelec chairman from 2011 to 2015, said he will most likely head Marcos’ canvassing team in the Congress amid election fraud claims made by the camp.

“I will sit as the head, probably, I don’t know. But I will form part of his congressional canvass team,” he said.

Brillantes was appointed by President Benigno Aquino III and oversaw the 2013 midterm elections, the second automated elections in the country. CDG

READ: Macalintal: Marcos’ election fraud claim premature