Proclamation of winning senators won't push through Tuesday —Jimenez

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday said the proclamation of winning senatorial candidates in the midterm elections would not push through in the afternoon.

"Not today," Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said in a press briefing.

According to Jimenez, the Comelec, sitting as the National Board of Canvassers, is still waiting for the results from Washington, DC which account for more than 200,000 voters, noting that these may come later in the evening.

He also said election returns from Los Angeles would still be transported to Washington before the canvassing there starts.

"Very sorry to disappoint everyone but it looks like today is not the day. We are currently canvassing the returns from KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) and we have to await the returns from Washington because they represent more than 200,000 registered voters," Jimenez said.

"So, in order to make sure na wala ng movement sa ranking ng mga elected officials natin, we need to get that," he added.

Asked for the new proclamation date, Jimenez replied: "Within a day or two. But at this point, with everything that has happened, hintayin na lang natin ano mangyari tonight."

Jimenez also said partial proclamation of winning candidates is not being considered by the poll body.

He said the Comelec aims to proclaim winning senators and party-list groups within the same day.

"'Yun ang goal na makasabay natin. Ang worst case scenario natin baka ma-split 'yung dalawa. But again, right now we're confident na mapagsasabay natin," he said.

Jimenez said the new proclamation date would be disclosed this evening. —KG, GMA News