Senate post-election proceedings to air live

MANILA – The Senate will take advantage of digital technology by broadcasting live for the first time the arrival and deposit of all election documents.

Senate Secretary Myra Marie Villarica said the whole process of receiving the Certificates of Canvass (COCs) and Election Returns (ERs) for the presidential and vice presidential race will be live-streamed on Monday via the Senate YouTube channel starting at 6 p.m.

“We are taking this opportunity to advance our digital initiatives and ensure transparency of the entire activity,” Villarica said in a statement.

She said there will be security cameras in strategic areas and roving cameras manned by the Public Relations and Information Bureau staff.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III, who is also running for Vice President, shall receive the COC and open all not later than 30 days after May 9 in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives in a joint public session.

Congress shall then proceed to canvass the votes.

Under Article VII, Section 4 of the Constitution, the Senate is mandated to receive the returns of every election for President and Vice President, duly certified by the board of canvassers of each province or city.

On Wednesday, the Senate conducted a dry run of the process wherein its officials and employees were briefed on the condition of the ballot boxes, reading the serial numbers, and turnover of keys and locks and the serial number of the self-locking seal.