Congress starts canvassing of President, VP votes

Counsels of presidential and vice presidential candidates observe the opening of ballot box during the start of Congress canvassing of votes. YUJI VINCENT GONZALES/INQUIRER.net

Congress in a joint session on Wednesday officially started the canvassing of votes for the positions of president and vice president in the recently concluded national elections.

This was after the Senate and the House of Representatives approved the rules for canvassing on Tuesday.
READ: Congress to convene for canvassing of president, VP results Tuesday

The Senate canvassing panel is composed of Senators Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Ralph Recto, Teofisto Guingona III, Sergio “Serge” Osmeña III, Juan Ponce Enrile, and Vicente Sotto III.

Representatives Neptali Gonzales, Elpidio Barzaga Jr., Romero Federico “Miro” Quimbo, Reynaldo Umali, Rufus Rodriguez, Fred Castro, and Silvestro Bello consist the House canvassing panel.
READ: Congress hopes for faster canvassing for president, VP poll results

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Senate President Franklin Drilon on Tuesday moved for the approval of canvassing rules through voice voting, snubbing a motion by Abakada Rep. Jonathan Dela Cruz to seek clarification on certain provisions. Dela Cruz served as campaign adviser of vice presidential candidate Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Sotto also proposed that issues involving certificates of canvass for president and vice president may be decided separately, but he withdrew his motion. Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano said tackling this issue was already in the “inherent” powers of the joint canvassing committee.

Congress will also proclaim the winning president and vice president. RAM