Senatorial, party-list winners may be declared May 16

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is likely to proclaim the winners of the senatorial and party-list race a week after the May 9 polls.

Commissioner George Garcia said in a television interview Monday that the canvassing of results of the 12 winning senators and a still undetermined number of party-list groups may end by May 15.

“We can already proclaim the senators or party-list winners at the latest May 16,” he said.

The Comelec en banc will sit as the National Board of Canvassers.

Garcia is certain though that the winners in the local elections will be known hours after the voting precincts have closed.

“On May 9, we can only proclaim the mayor and vice mayor. Early the following day, we can next proclaim the congressman, governor, vice governor, and Sangguniang Panlalawigan,” he said.

The campaign period will end on May 7.

On election day, the voting period will be from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Comelec en banc upheld the decision of the First Division to cancel the certificate of candidacy (COC) of Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu for governor of Sultan Kudarat.

Based on the decision, the respondent did not present new issues that could merit a reversal of the earlier ruling.

The case to cancel the COC was filed by Sharifa Akeel Mangudadatu, who said Ali falsely stated material facts like not declaring that he is the incumbent mayor of the Municipality of Datu Abdullah Sangki.

He also said he was a resident of Purok Garden, Tamnag, Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat for a period of one year and eight months when his actual period of residency was shorter.

“Respondent signed his COC and subscribed and swore to the veracity of his declarations therein, indicating that his false representations are deliberate, and will effectively mislead the electorate on his qualifications as Governor of Sultan Kudarat,” the decision read.