Duterte camp on end of canvassing: Victory now official

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Finally, it’s official.

With the canvassing of votes now over, Rodrigo Duterte can officially claim victory in the 2016 presidential elections. 

“Finally, victory has been achieved,” said Duterte campaign spokesman Peter Laviña in a statement sent on Friday, May 27.

He said that while the official results of the elections may seem “anti-climactic” because the initial count of votes already pointed to victory, the final results still have “historic significance.”

The final count showed that Duterte won by landslide with 6.6 million votes more than his closest rival Liberal Party standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II.

“His victory is the triumph of the people, by the people, and for the people. Let us celebrate this milestone of Philippine democracy by uniting and working for genuine change,” he said.

With the canvassing over, Duterte’s proclamation is expected in the next few days, along with the proclamation of the vice-presidential race winner, Leni Robredo.

Duterte has said he will not be attending his proclamation, calling it “corny.” He will fly to Manila for his inauguration on June 30. – Rappler.com