3 more proclaimed

 MANILA, Philippines - Three more winning senatorial candidates were proclaimed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) last night, even as critics said the proclamations based on partial results were premature.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes told critics to go to court as the poll body proceeded with the proclamation of Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV and re-electionist Senators Aquilino Pimentel III and Antonio Trillanes IV, all of the administration’s Team PNoy.

They will serve for a term of six years, starting on June 30, 2013.

Their proclamation came amid the appeal of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) to the Comelec to count all votes first before proclaiming winning senatorial candidates.

Only Aquino, however, attended the proclamation held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. He was accompanied by his wife Timi and other relatives.

Pimentel was reportedly sick, while Trillanes was in General Santos City.

The proclamation of the three candidates was based on 113 certificates of canvass (COCs) counted by the Comelec, sitting as the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC).

The Comelec first proclaimed the top six winning senatorial candidates last Thursday: Grace Poe, Loren Legarda, Francis Escudero, Alan Cayetano, Nancy Binay and Juan Edgardo Angara.

Since nine senators have been proclaimed, only three slots are now being contested to complete the “Magic 12.”

‘Count all votes first’

Nancy Binay, one of UNA’s senatorial bets, defended her absence from the proclamation last Thursday.

In a press conference in Makati yesterday, Binay said her decision not to attend the partial proclamation was upon the advice of her lawyer and with the approval of her father, Vice President Jejomar Binay.

She said the proclamation of the six winning senatorial candidates, including herself, lacks substantial basis as only 72 out of the 304 Certificates of Canvass (COCs) have been canvassed by the Comelec.

“I sat with my lawyers when I was informed that they already received the invitation for proclamation. I asked for their advice. Is it proper and prudent for me to attend the proclamation despite the fact that the number of COCs canvassed is just 72? They advised that it might be better if I will wait for the proclamation to have more basis,” Binay said.

“It is not a sign of protest. It is more of my comfort level, peace of mind that the proclamation is not tainted with doubts. I have not yet seen the true voice of the people,” Binay said.

“I also asked my father for his advice and he told me it’s up to me to do what I feel is right and comfortable for me,” Binay said.

She nevertheless thanked the Comelec for including her in the partial list of proclaimed winning senatorial candidates.

“I thank the Comelec and those who voted for me, those who have given me a chance to serve in the Senate. What I just want is that there will be no questions, no doubts about our proclamation,” Binay said.

Binay also said that it is still possible that there will be changes in the rankings of the top five winning senatorial candidates.

She added that she will attend the proclamation of the 12 winning senatorial candidates when there is sufficient basis to do so.

For his part, UNA secretary-general and campaign manager Toby Tiangco said 72 out of the 304 COCS only translates to 23.68 percent of the COCs all over the country.

“My only question is that why was 23 percent used as basis for the proclamation? Is there a candidate who filed a motion for proclamation? In my local experience, if the remaining votes are immaterial, the lawyers of the candidates will move for early proclamation,” Tiangco said.

Preparations

Meanwhile, Binay said to prepare for her job as a senator, she will enroll in the National College for Public Administration in Government for legislators to enable her learn the rules that she has to follow while performing her duty.

“I don’t know if Bam Aquino and Grace Poe will also enroll. I will ask them to join me,” Binay said.

She also called on fellow senatorial bet Risa Hontiveros to set aside politics and help improve the system of government.

“If she has some proposals that she wants to pursue, I can help her. Of course, after the elections we have to pursue our work. We in UNA believe that our number one enemy is not our opponents, but poverty and unemployment. It is time for us to start working,” Binay said. – With Jose Rodel Clapano