Gullas calls for early proclamation

CEBU, Philippines - To put the nation “at ease,” newly reelected first district Rep. Eduardo R. Gullas is calling for an early proclamation of the president-elect and the vice president-elect by suggesting that the leadership of the Congress reconvene next week.

“I am suggesting that an earlier convening be done anytime next week as soon as the results are final for the purpose that the national community would be at ease, and everything will come to a close,” said Gullas in an interview.

Gullas explained that the proclamation will help the nation “go back to the usual focus and not be concerned with the election anymore” and “for the people themselves to go back to their usual business.”

As calendared before it went on a break for the elections, the 14th Congress is scheduled to convene this May 31 to proclaim the president-elect and vice president-elect. Gullas said the date was picked supposedly to give time for the Commission on Elections to finish its work, assuming that the counting would be done manually.

But since the work is expected to be finished within next week due to the swiftness of the automated counting, the congressman said there is a valid reason to move the proclamation on an earlier date.

The 14th Congress still has five more days - May 31, June 1, 2, 3, and 4 — to convene before it will finally adjourn.

“There’s no point in waiting for the last regular session of Congress on May 31 to June 4 to canvass the votes and proclaim the president-elect and vice president-elect,” Gullas said.

Gullas however said if his suggestion would be considered, they will still meet on May 31 to June 4 to approve resolutions and for the closing ceremony.

But if the leaders of Congress won’t agree to his request, there is always the President who can call on a special session. He said apart from the telegrams he sent to Enrile and Nograles, he has already sent one to President Arroyo.

Under the Constitution, Congress in joint public session has the sole authority to proclaim the president-elect and vice president-elect.

Section 4, Article VII of the Constitution, states: “The returns of every election for President and Vice President, duly certified by the board of canvassers of each province or city, shall be transmitted to the Congress, directed to the President of the Senate. Upon receipt of the certificates of canvass, the President of the Senate shall, not later than 30 days after the day of the election, open all the certificates in the presence of the Senate and the House of Representatives in joint public session, and the Congress, upon determination of the authenticity and due execution thereof in the manner provided by law, canvass the votes.

The Comelec’s power to proclaim election winners is only limited to senatorial, congressional, and local winners. (FREEMAN NEWS)