Palace expects canvassing to start smooth transition of power

The canvassing of votes for president and vice president in Congress this coming week should pave the way for a smooth transition of power on June 30, Malacañang said Saturday. Presidential spokesman Ricardo Saludo said the Palace expects no hitches when Congress convenes as the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC) for the presidential and vice presidential polls. “Harinawa ito ay matutuloy sa maayos na paglipat ng kapangyarihan sa Hunyo 30, gaya ng sinabi sa Saligang Batas (We hope this will be part of the smooth turnover of power on June 30, as the Constitution mandates)," Saludo said on government-run dzRB radio. Both houses of Congress will resume session on Monday and hold a joint congressional session to convene the NBOC. Security has been tightened at both houses of Congress, especially at the House of Representatives where the canvassing will be held. On May 24, both houses are expected to convene simultaneously in their respective chambers to draft and approve the rules on canvassing. When there is already an approved common rules, the lawmakers will convene in House of Representatives at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. — LBG, GMANews.TV