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Winning senators allowed up to 10 companions on proclamation day

By FWH Online

By Ferdinand Patinio  May 21, 2019, 8:55 pm

MANILA — The winning senatorial candidates would only be allowed a maximum of 10 companions at the proclamation ceremony, which has yet to be scheduled by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) sitting as the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC).

“We are very strict on the limit of the number of (companions). Maximum of 10. It’s all in because of the limited space,” said Comelec Education and Information Department (EID) Director III Frances Arabe, in an interview after the walkthrough of the proclamation protocols on Tuesday.

The NBOC headquarters is situated at the Forum Tent of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City since last week for the canvassing of the votes for senators and party-list representatives in connection with the May 13 midterm polls.

With this, the poll body official reminded members of the media that no interviews will be allowed at the red carpet, which is laid out at the entrance of the venue and also during the ceremony.

“No interview at this point (meaning red carpet). They will enter the venue. No interview also during ceremony that will be done after ceremony. We can use the presscon area or even along the side of venue but after the program,” she added.

Arabe also said they asked for the names of the members of the party which will be at the PICC as well as the plate numbers of their vehicles.

The poll body official, meanwhile, said the winning party-lists will be proclaimed in another event.

On Monday, the Comelec said it is looking to proclaim the 12 new senators on Tuesday evening while the proclamation of winning party-list representatives is set Wednesday night.

However, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the proclamation of the winning senators was deferred pending the transmittal of the votes from Washington D.C., USA. which they expect to receive Tuesday night.

“Very sorry to disappoint everyone but it looks like today is not the day (of proclamation)… We have to await the returns from Washington DC,” he said in a press briefing on Tuesday. 

The Philippine post has over 255,000 registered voters.

The NBOC has already canvassed 166 out of the 167 Certificates of Canvass (COCs), as of Tuesday morning. (PNA)

Arabe also said they asked for the names of the members of the party which will be at the PICC as well as the plate numbers of their vehicles.
Frances Arabe, Comelec – Education and Information Division (EID) assistant director, said the seven-member poll body is considering the partial proclamation as they await the arrival of some certificates of canvass (COCs). Arabe also said they asked for the names of the members of the party which will be at the PICC as well as the plate numbers of their vehicles. (PNA)