Comelec Stands Firm on Full Proclamation
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will continue with the full proclamation of the 12 winning senators for Eleksyon 2025 despite a motion requesting the early proclamation of the top six candidates based on partial and unofficial results. This move underscores the poll body’s commitment to a complete and transparent process.
Poll chairperson George Erwin Garcia urged candidates to be patient and wait for the official proclamation. He emphasized that the Comelec aims to complete the proclamation of both senators and party-list groups by the weekend, marking the earliest official announcement in recent election history.
“Sabi nga ng NBOC [National Board of Canvassers], ang atin pong decision ay lahat na ang proclamation. Kung pinakamaaga ka naman eh na makakapag-proklama, in less than one week makakapag-proklama ka, eh ‘di okay lang siguro na makikihintay na lang,” Garcia remarked, highlighting the decision to proclaim all winning candidates at once.
He added, “Hintay-hintayan na lang. At saka ‘yan ay mangyayari naman kung ang lamang ng bawat isa ay malalapit o malalayo. Depende po yan kung yun ang natitirang uncavassed results will materially affect the results of the elections.” This means partial proclamations depend on whether remaining uncounted results could change the outcome.
Motion for Partial Proclamation and Current Standings
Representative Rodante Marcoleta from the Sagip Party-list, who currently ranks sixth in the Senate race based on partial and unofficial counts, filed a motion urging Comelec to proclaim the top six candidates early. As of 1 p.m. on the latest count, Marcoleta had secured 14,910,418 votes, placing him within the Magic 12.
Despite this, Garcia explained that the National Board of Canvassers and other canvassing bodies hold the authority to lower the threshold and proclaim winners if remaining certificates of canvass (COCs) no longer impact election results. However, the NBOC has opted to finish tallying all 175 COCs before proceeding with any proclamation.
“Ang sa atin, hanggat maaari walang lowering of the threshold. Hanggat maaari 100% canvass of all 175 COCs,” Garcia said, expressing the goal of completing a full canvass without shortcuts.
He also stated, “Manifestation ang na-file and therefore, we will proceed accordingly,” indicating that the poll body will act based on the motion filed.
Timeline for Proclamation and Vote Tallying
The Comelec targets to proclaim the winning senators by Saturday, May 17, 2025. The commission, acting as the National Board of Canvassers, has resumed tallying votes for both senatorial candidates and party-lists. By Tuesday, May 13, it completed canvassing 58 COCs and aims to finish an additional 100 COCs by Wednesday, May 14.
This methodical approach ensures accuracy and fairness in the Eleksyon 2025 results. The insistence on a full proclamation reflects the poll body’s dedication to a comprehensive and reliable election process.
For further updates on Eleksyon 2025, visit Filipinokami.com.