Senate safeguards certificates of canvass, election returns

Photo taken from CNN News TV PH

Metro Manila  — One by one, certificates of canvass (COCs) and election returns (ERs) arrived at the Senate on Wednesday (May 11) for safekeeping.

First to arrive were those from San Juan, followed by Malabon, Pateros and Taguig.

The ballot boxes containing the COCs and ERs were sealed and locked and would remain so, until they could be transferred to the House of Representatives.

Senate President Franklin Drilon said it was the constitutional duty of the Senate to safeguard the COCs and ERs.

The Senate had activated 32 high-definition CCTv cameras leading to the Recto room where the boxes would be stored.

Senate's Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms (OSAA) Chief Jose Balajadia gives a briefing on

the CCTV coverage of the entire Senate building.

Drilon said once the House received all the COCs and Ers, the National Board of Canvassers — composed of members of both houses of Congress, would begin to canvass the votes.

He said, the Board would convene — at the latest — on Wednesday (May 25).
Meanwhile, Drilon thanked those who voted for him.

He was currently at the top of the senatorial race in the unofficial count conducted by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV).

Drilon also said he was ready to work with Rodrigo Duterte, who's leading the unofficial count for president, saying he and his fellow senators were awaiting Duterte's legislative agenda.

He added that the transition team must ensure a smooth transfer of power by June 30, inauguration day.