MANILA, Philippines – Backtracking on his previous statement, poll chief Sixto Brillantes Jr said the expected proclamation of senators on Wednesday, May 15, will not push through.

Brillantes said the Commission on Elections (Comelec), sitting as the national board of canvassers (NBOC), may instead proclaim the winners – partially or in full – on Thursday night, May 16. He said the poll body will announce its decision once available.

The poll chief refused to explain why, but gave a suggestive answer. “Hindi ho muna ako magbibigay, because we are still analyzing what is happening in the field,” Brillantes said. (I will not disclose the reason yet, because we are still analyzing what is happening in the field.)

The canvassing of votes for senator proceeded at a snail’s pace on Wednesday, with the NBOC having completed only around 4% of certificates of canvass (COCs) nationwide.

Earlier, Brillantes said the Comelec will likely proclaim all 12 senators on Wednesday evening. – Rappler.com