MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it welcomes the petition filed by political party PDP-Laban before the Supreme Court seeking a manual recount of votes for senators in the May 12 elections.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said the petition is a valid legal remedy to determine the true mandate of the electorate, but clarified that the commission will no longer have jurisdiction over senatorial candidates once they assume office on June 30.

Garcia said that under existing rules, the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) will have sole jurisdiction over electoral contests involving senators, while the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET) will handle disputes involving congressmen.

“After being proclaimed, sworn in, and assumes office on June 30, the Comelec or any other court will no longer have jurisdiction because the HRET or SET shall be the sole judge of all elections, returns, and qualifications of the members of the House of Representatives or Senate,” Garcia said.

PDP-Laban filed the petition for a manual recount on Monday.