Comelec orders poll supervisors to explain missing COCs in several provinces

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered the provincial election supervisors to explain the missing certificates of canvass (COCs) in several provinces during the canvassing of votes for president and vice president.

In a memorandum signed by Comelec chairperson Saidamen Pangarungan on Thursday, the provincial election supervisors of Pampanga, Sultan Kudarat, Surigao del Sur, Sulu, and Cagayan de Oro were ordered to explain the missing COCs.

“In the canvassing for the votes for President and Vice President undertaken in a joint public session of the Senate and the House of Representatives, it was found that the ballot box from your provinces or cities did not yield the required COCs. This omission has put into question the professionalism of the Comelec,” the memorandum read.

“Please explain within 48 hours why no disciplinary action should be taken against you for such omission,” it added.

On Tuesday night, Congress, sitting as the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC), deferred the canvassing of votes for president and vice president from the provinces of Pampanga, Sultan Kudarat, and Surigao del Sur due to missing COCs.

The Comelec earlier vowed to look into the missing COCs in the said provinces.

Asked if the election officers will face sanctions, Comelec Commissioner Marlon Casquejo said “So if it is justifiable naman, then puwede naman natin palipasin na lang. If not, then we will make sanctions based on our civil service rules.”

Atty. April Joy Balano earlier explained that the missing COCs were at the Provincial Election Supervisor's office, mixed up with the COCs for other elective positions.

The poll body, sitting as the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC), has concluded the canvassing of all 173 certificates of canvass (COC)  for the 2022 national and local elections on Wednesday afternoon.

It finished canvassing the last COC from Tuburan, Lanao del Sur, which conducted its special elections on May 24, Tuesday. 

On the other hand, Congress wrapped up its canvassing of votes for president and vice president late Wednesday afternoon, proclaiming former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte as president-elect and vice president-elect, respectively.  — Richa Noriega/RSJ, GMA News