Robredo, Moreno camps declare no objection to the official canvassing of votes for president

The camps of Vice President Leni Robredo and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Tuesday declared no objection to the inclusion of the certificates of canvass in the National Board of Canvassers' (NBOC) official tallying of votes for president and vice president.

In his manifestation, Atty. Romulo Macalintal mentioned Robredo's statement during a thanksgiving event last May 13, where she called on her supporters to accept the results of the May 9 polls.

"She said we need to accept the majority’s decision. And so your honors, consistent with such pronouncements by Vice President Leni Robredo, and so as not to delay the proceedings of this board, we would like to make of record our continuing manifestation that we interpose no objection to the inclusion in the canvass of all the COC for president from the various provincial and city boards of canvassers found by this honorable board to be authentic and duly executed in accordance with Section 20 of RA 7166," Macalintal said, to which he was applauded.

He then told the NBOC that they would waive their presence during the proceedings to fast-track the tallying of votes for president and vice president.

"And with that continuing manifestation your honors may we be allowed to respectfully waive our appearance before this joint committee to further expedite its proceedings," he added.

Atty. Vic Rodriguez, legal counsel of presumptive president Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., thanked Robredo for showcasing her patriotism after recognizing the result of the election.

"We join in the manifestation of my distinguished colleague and one of the election law practitioners, Atty. Romulo 'Romymac' Macalintal. Likewise, we would like to recognize and thank the patriotism exhibited by Vice President Leni Robredo for expressly recognizing the integrity and the result of the recently-concluded general elections," he said.

Malacañang said Robredo camp's statement was a "welcome development."

"The decision of the camp of Vice President Ma. Leonor 'Leni' Robredo to expedite the canvassing of votes for president is a positive development," acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said.

"As we earlier articulated, let us respect the outcome of the election and give chance to the winning candidates to fulfill their campaign platform," he added.

Atty. Rizalina Lumbera, legal counsel for Moreno, also manifested that their camp has no objection to the inclusion of COCs in the canvassing.

In a text message to reporters, Senate Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said the manifestations of the legal counsels of Robredo and Moreno would hasten the proceedings.

"By tomorrow early afternoon, we should be done," Zubiri said.

Zubiri, who ran for reelection under the slate of Marcos and presumptive Vice President Sara Duterte, thanked the presidential candidates for "their graciousness as well as their patriotism in this time where we need the nation to heal from the very emotionally-charged election of 2022."

Vice presidential bet and Senator Francis Pangilinan's legal counsel, Renzo Ross Sarte, also stated before the NBOC that their camp will no longer object to the processing of COCs.

"With the permission of this honorable body, I would just like to make a short manifestation on behalf of Senator Kiko Pangilinan, following the sentiments expressed by Vice President Leni Robredo, Senator Kiko Pangilinan also has no objections to the certificates of canvass and further waives further appearance before the National Board of Canvassers," Sarte said.

In response, House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez expressed gratitude to Pangilinan. 

"We thank the manifestation of vice presidential candidate Senator Kiko Pangilinan and his graciousness in accepting the results of the 2022 elections and we shall take note of the same. Maraming salamat po, Senator Kiko," Romualdez, cousin of Marcos Jr., said.

Based on the partial and unofficial tally, Marcos led the Eleksyon 2022 presidential race with 31,104,175 votes, followed by Robredo with 14,822,051 votes.

Duterte was the leading vice presidential bet with 31,561,948 votes, followed by Pangilinan with 9,232,883 votes.

In an interview with reporters, Rodriguez said they were surprised with the manifestation of Macalintal.

"Absolutely we were all surprised but it was a good surprise, and again, it was a show of deep patriotism and I think, ito na 'yung hinihinging mensahe na dala-dala namin noong kampanya at tumutugon naman ang lahat ng may pagmamahal sa bansa doon sa mensahe ng pagkakaisa," he said.

(This was the message that we pushed during the campaign, and those who love the country responded to our call.)

Rodriguez confirmed that Marcos would attend the proclamation: "Absolutely he will attend."

He also mentioned that some personalities who will be part of the Marcos administration could be disclosed on Friday. He said Marcos has been interviewing potential nominees for Cabinet posts. —AOL/VBL, GMA News