Comelec: 400K overseas votes ‘crucial’ in tight VP race

Senator Bongbong Marcos and Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo. FILE PHOTOS

With more than 95 percent of election returns transmitted and a vice presidential race too close to call, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday said that it is the most opportune time to highlight the role of the overseas votes in the May 9 elections.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said that the overseas votes are “crucial” in determining the winners in the polls.

The votes could make or break the vice presidential dream of administration candidate Camarines Sur Rep. Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo and Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as they are  neck and neck in the fight for the post.

READ: 75% counted: Robredo leads Marcos by 187K votes in partial tally

As of 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Robredo is still leading with more than 180,000 votes over Marcos, with 91.52 percent of nationwide election results transmitted.

“It is important because we are looking at more than 400,000 votes from overseas and the leads of the candidates from each other [are] very small. Malinaw na malinaw na relevant ang bilang from overseas (It’s very clear that the overseas votes are relevant),” Jimenez said.

READ: Robredo’s lead hits 100k; 400k overseas votes still not counted

As of Tuesday morning, Jimenez said that the Comelec has received certificates of canvass from Agaña, Malaysia, Yangon, Vatican City, and Prague.

“Tapos na yung panahon na ini-ignore yung overseas vote[s] (Gone are the days when overseas votes were ignored). Tapos na rin yung panahon na isinasantabi siya (Gone are the days when these are set aside) as a force in the politics of our nation. It is a very good development because overseas Filipinos do need the support of our government,” he said.

The Comelec said that all election returns will be transmitted on Tuesday. RAM/rga

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