The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday, May 17, said presumptive vice president Sara Duterte can take her oath ahead of her assumption to office on midday of June 30.
“Wala naman tayo nakikita na problema (We don’t see any problems,” Comelec Commissioner George Erwin Garcia assured during a press briefing.
The commissioner pointed this oath in response to reports that Duterte has set her inauguration this June 19 in Davao City where she had held the position of mayor.
Garcia said the Constitution does not prevent anyone from taking their oath ahead of their assumption to office.
“Hindi nakalagay doon (The Constitution did not state) that the oath should happen at exactly 12 o’clock of June 30,” the commissioner said.
Garcia cited that “two former presidents before took their oaths at 11:45, not exactly at 12 o’clock.”
He pointed out that what is important is they assume office at 12:01 pm and that their oaths is exactly what is stated under Article 6 of the Constitution.
Garcia also said “there is no prohibition that you will have several oaths.”
Following the proclamation of the winning senatorial candidates this Wednesday, May 18, Garcia said the senators can even take their oaths before the Comelec chairman or any of its commissioners.