Section 203
SEC. 203. When the election returns are delayed, lost, or destroyed,—In case its corresponding copy of the election return is missing, the board of canvassers shall, by messenger or otherwise, obtain such missing election return from the board of inspectors concerned, or if said missing election return has been lost or destroyed, the board, upon prior authority of the Commission, may use any of the authentic copies of said election return other than the copy furnished the political parties, or a certified copy of said election return issued by the Commission, and forthwith direct the fiscal to investigate the case and institute criminal proceedings against the person or persons who may be criminally responsible therefor. The board of canvassers shall immediately report the matter to the Commission. The Commission may, for justifiable causes, order the board of canvassers to commence the canvass notwithstanding the fact that not all the election returns have been received by the provincial, city, or municipal treasurer and to terminate the canvass and proclaim the candidates elected on the basis of the available election returns if the missing election returns will not affect the result of the election.