MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) could proclaim the 12 winning senators in the 2019 elections this weekend if they finish canvassing on Friday, May 17, an election commissioner said.

Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said the proclamation of winning senators could happen as early as Saturday afternoon, May 18. 

“It depends if we finish canvassing late tonight,” Guanzon said in a Viber message on Friday.

Radio station DZBB reported that Senate front runners reelectionist Senators Cynthia Villar and Grace Poe have received invitations to a proclamation ceremony at 4 pm on Sunday, May 19.

Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez said however that he was unable to confirm the information on a proclamation this weekend as of posting time.

The Comelec has canvassed 129 out of 167 certificates of canvass, accounting for around 74.97% of registered voters.

Unofficial election results showed opposition candidates failing to make it to the Magic 12 of the senatorial race. The last time the opposition failed to win a single Senate seat was 80 years ago, during the time of President Manuel L. Quezon.

For former Ateneo School of Government dean Antonio La Viña, the previous electoral exercise was “the final step of consolidation by the Duterte family of its dominance over the political elite.” With Duterte no longer facing opposition from traditional political forces, La Viña said, “It’s like martial law all over again.” – Rappler.com