Drilon : Duterte is first president proclaimed in absentia

Photo Source: Interaksyon

MANILA Philippines  - Senate President Franklin Drilon on Monday said that Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is the first president in the entire Philippine history to be proclaimed in absentia.

To my recollection, yes (in absentia), although attendance is not a requirement. The proclamation can be done without the presence of the candidate. The Senate president said in an interview at the session hall.

But Drilon said that the most important thing that will happen today will be for our Senators to perform their constitutional role as members of the National Board of Canvassers to proclaim the President and Vice-President in the May 9, 2016 elections.

We consider the proclamation as a constitutionally mandated duty of Congress and we will perform it. It is not affected by the absence of the proclaimed winners, but it is a constitutional act, which is critical to the peaceful transfer of power between one administrations to the other€ he said.

Drilon said performing this constitutional task brings stability in the political system.

"You cannot imagine what will happen to this country if we do not proclaim any President or Vice-President", he added.