Comelec expects winning senators, party-lists already proclaimed by May 16
The winning senators and party-list organizations in the 2022 polls may already be known by May 16.
"As far as the Comelec is concerned, perhaps we can canvass the result of the senators and party lists up to May 15," Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said in a television interview, Monday, May 2.
"We can already proclaim the winning senators and party-lists, at the latest, by May 16," he added.
Garcia said its possible that some local candidates could be proclaimed on the eve of May 9 such as those for Mayor.
"Maybe early part of May 10, we can proclaim the Congressman, Governor, Vice Governor, and Sangguniang Panlalawigan," he said.
"By that time we already have an inkling who is the winning presidential and vice presidential candidate. Take note the official canvass of the president and vice president will happen...when Congress will resume its session," added Garcia.
Meanwhile, the Comelec is mulling the possibility of holding special polls in the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai, China where overseas voting has been delayed there due to the prevailing Covid-19 lockdown.
"May 9 is already near but the lockdown remains imposed," Comelec - Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV) head Commissioner Marlon Casquejo said in an interview.
"If the lockdown is lifted after the elections, we are justified to conduct a special elections to those areas where voting was suspended," he added.
"Maybe we can make some adjustments as to how many voting machines will be needed during the special elections, if it really becomes necessary," said Casquejo.