Roces proclaimed Manila congressman

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Board of Canvassers in Manila has proclaimed Miles Roces, the closest rival of Rep. Harry Angping, as the duly elected congressman in the third district.

Angping was disqualified from the congressional race 10 days before the May 10 elections because it was found out that he was not a Filipino citizen. This left Roces unopposed in the congressional race in the third district, which covers Binondo, Quiapo and Sta. Cruz.

Roces, was proclaimed on Saturday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate.

Lawyer Ramon Rosello, chairman of Manila’s Board of Canvassers, said that Roces’ proclamation was based on Comelec Resolution 6823.

"In the level of the board, we just followed the principle that unopposed candidates should be immediately proclaimed," Rosello said, explaining that it’s up to Angping’s lawyer to respond to the board’s decision.

Rosello also noted that the substitution of Angping’s wife, Ma. Zenaida Benedicto Angping, has been rendered moot by the disqualification.

Before the proclamation, Roces had already garnered more than 6,000 votes from 10 to 15 percent of the total number of precincts in the district.

"If we will follow the trend, I will have more than 50,000 votes after the counting," Roces said.

Angping, however, insisted that he had more votes than Roces as he won in 113 out of 123 precincts. "The people have spoken. I was the one they elected," he stressed.

But Roces pointed out that no congressman had garnered more than 50,000 votes in past elections. "Apparently, the people are satisfied with my accomplishments in my three terms as councilor," he said as he promised to do more for the people now that he is a congressman,

When The STAR asked for his message to Angping, Roces said he is offering the hand of reconciliation. "The doors are open. Since the Comelec has ruled, let us honor the decision for the sake of the people." — Cecille Suerte Felipe