Comelec: 12 senators to be proclaimed by next week

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is eyeing to proclaim all 12 winners in the senatorial race by Tuesday or Thursday next week.

Comelec Chair Juan Andres Bautista said the senators cannot be proclaimed this weekend as some areas will be holding special elections on Saturday.

READ: Comelec to hold special elections on May 14

Elections Commissioner Rowena Guanzon noted that the National Board of Canvassers will proclaim all the 12 senatorial winners.

"Ang sabi ni Commissioner Christian Robert Lim, kung hindi po Tuesday, ang estimate ay Thursday. Sabay-sabay na naming ipo-proclaim ‘yung 12," Guanzon said in an interview with a state news agency.

Election 2016: Partial, Unofficial Tally

The poll body earlier announced that it will conduct special elections in 55 clustered precincts in 14 towns on Saturday.

A total of 19.791 affected voters will cast their votes in the following areas:

• Cordova, Cebu
• Maitum, Sarangani
• Sta. Cruz, Marinduque
• Anini-y, Antique
• San Remigio, Antique
• Lope de Vega, Northern Samar
• Matuguinao, Western Samar
• Binidayan, Lanao del Sur
• Pata, Sulu
• Panglima Estino, Sulu
• Tamparan, Lanao del Sur
• Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao
• Loreto, Agusan del Sur
• Hinigaran, Negros Occidental

Failure of elections was declared in the following areas due to concerns on official ballots and security issues.

Under the Omnibus Election Code, the Comelec should hold special elections not later than 30 days after the postponement or suspension of elections. — Patricia Lourdes Viray