The late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos’ son, who is running for vice president, called yesterday for a stop to an unofficial vote count that shows his rival has overtaken him.
Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s campaign said it sent an urgent request to the Commission on Elections to halt a tally released by an accredited citizen’s group, saying the results showed “an alarming and suspicious trend” contrary to independent exit polls and the campaign’s estimates, according to his adviser, Rep. Jonathan dela Cruz.
If Marcos wins, that would put him a step away from the presidency 30 years after his father was ousted by a public uprising amid plunder allegations and widespread human rights abuses.
Vice presidential candidate Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr
His rival, Congresswoman Leni Robredo, was ahead by 200,000 votes, putting her half a percentage point ahead of Marcos as of yesterday, according to the unofficial count. Earlier counts had Marcos in the lead.
Official results won’t be released for at least another two weeks. The Philippines elects the president and vice president separately.
Robredo, a lawyer for the poor and the widow of a well-loved politician, has denied cheating.
She thanked her supporters at a news conference yesterday but said the count was not yet over. She asked all to remain calm and respect whatever results come out of what she said were clean and orderly elections.
She promised full support for Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who has cemented his lead in the Philippine presidential election, in case she wins.
No Comments