he Philippine Congress has reopened to do an official count of the votes cast May 9 for the presidential and vice presidential elections.
The mayor of southern Davao city, Rodrigo Duterte, overwhelmingly won the presidential race based on an unofficial tally.
The counting starting Wednesday in the House of Representatives is likely to be difficult in the closely fought vice presidential contest.
The incomplete and unofficial tally had Rep. Leni Robredo leading by more than 200,000 votes. But rival Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has alleged irregularities and disputes that tally.
Marcos's lawyer, Didagen Dilangalen, asked lawmakers to count the votes cast for president separately from the vice presidential votes so Duterte could immediately be proclaimed the winner. The lawmakers refused and are counting simultaneously.
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.
Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.