Kiko rallies public to stay vigilant on election protest vs Leni

MANILA, Philippines — Opposition Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan rallied the public Wednesday to “stay vigilant” on the results of the electoral protest against Vice President Leni Robredo as it nears resolution.

On Monday, Supreme Court Associate Justice Benjamin Caguioa submitted to the High Court sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) his report on the recount and revision of ballots in three pilot provinces connected with the electoral protest of former Sen. Bongbong Marcos against Robredo, who is also chair of the Liberal Party (LP). The tribunal has yet to act on Caguioa’s report.

READ: Marcos vs Robredo: Results of ballot revision submitted to SC

In a statement, Pangilinan, LP president, said this “historic process” concerns not only the votes cast in 2016 but also the direction of the nation.

“We call on Filipinos who value our democracy and the inviolability of our elections: Let us stay vigilant!” he said.

“Let us defend our votes and be on the alert until we are certain that the decision reached is based on truth, justice, and the rightful enactment of the rule of law,” the senator added.

READ: Bongbong hits Robredo camp for claiming victory amid poll protest

In her urgent motion in June, Robredo told the PET there was a need to resolve all the pending incidents as her lead against Marcos even increased by more than 15,000 votes after the revision, recount and re-appreciation of the ballots in the three pilot provinces of Iloilo, Negros Oriental and Camarines Sur. Marcos had claimed he can prove irregularities in the conduct of the 2016 elections in these areas.   /muf

READ: Robredo camp sees confirmation of win, urges PET to decide on Marcos protest