The Philippine Online Chronicles

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The first nine of the 12 winners in the senatorial elections were proclaimed on Saturday by the Commission on Elections. Present were "Senators Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, Juan Ponce-Enrile, Pia Cayetano, Ralph Recto and Vicente Sotto III were present before the Comelec, sitting en banc as the National Board of Canvassers at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City."

Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Franklin Drilon, and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. were not present. I heard that Santiago was on her way while Marcos was in Singapore.

Before the proclamation, I overheard a portion of his interview to media with regards to the new president Noynoy Aquino. Revilla said that whether one is in the opposition or not, one should always be willing to work with the new president since the latter has the vote of the people. “At this point in time, dapat siguro walang oposisyon, walang administrasyon. Kung tayo mag aaway-away, walang mangyayari. Bigyan natin ng bagong bukas ang ating bansa (At this point in time, let’s set aside opposition-administration distinctions. If we bicker, we won’t go anywhere. Let’s give our nation a fresh start)"

Jinggoy Estrada will respect Noynoy Aquino’s mandate, “The nation must support the coming president. We have to unite as one nation". All the senator-elects brought their family members to the proclamation. It started at 3:20 PM instead of 2:00 PM. Comelec Chairman Jose Melo said "the proclamation was the fruit of the hardwork and struggles Comelec underwent during the first national automated elections in the country."

"After the Comelec’s long struggle to automate the country’s election, then after a peaceful campaign of the candidates…we’re here today to celebrate the results of our hard work and dedication. For the senators-elect, this proclamation ceremony represents the clear vox populi, speaking with the transcendent authority of vox dei, you are now our representatives. You are our champions. Do not let us down."

“To all the senators-elect therefore and on behalf of the Commission en banc, I extend our congratulations and, in doing so, hand over the expectations of the Filipino people to you,” Melo added.

Commissioner Jose Melo gives certificate to senator-elect Bong Revilla

 

Commissioner Nicodemo T. Ferrer and Senator-elect Juan Ponce Enrile

 

Commissioner Lucenito Tagle reads the certificate of proclamation to Senator-elect Ralph Recto

 

Commissioner Rene V. Sarmiento and Senator-elect Jinggoy Estrada

 

Commissioner Elias Yusoph and senator-elect Tito Sotto

 

Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal and Senator-elect Pia Cayetano.

 

The six senator-elects with the members of the Comelec en banc

Smartmatic President for Asia and Pacific, Cesar Flores looked relaxed  as media congratulated him. When I asked him about the automation plans in Indonesia, Smartmatic is just one of the possible suppliers. It looks like they might have a bigger chance of getting it due to the Philippine experience.

 

Photos from author Some Rights Reserved.