Duterte seals presidency in Congress official tally

Philippines’ president-elect Rodrigo Duterte speaks during a press conference in Davao City, in southern island of Mindanao on May 26, 2016. AFP FILE PHOTO / MANMAN DEJETO

Presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte emerged as clear winner in the presidential race as the Congress ended its canvassing of votes Friday evening.

Duterte garnered a total of 16,601,997 votes or 6,623,822 votes ahead of his closest rival, administration candidate Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, who got more than 9,978,175 million votes.

Congress finished canvassing all 166 certificates of canvass on its third day of official counting of votes, which started last Wednesday.

The tough-talking Davao City mayor was also the clear winner in the unofficial counts.

Duterte, who is currently in Davao City, earlier said he would not attend his proclamation. RAM

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