‘No PET order for VP ballot recount’

MANILA, Philippines - The Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) has yet to issue an order calling for the recount of votes in relation to the electoral protest of former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the vice presidential elections, his camp said yesterday.

“(This is) contrary to the claim of Vice President Robredo that there is an order from the PET calling for the recounting or revision of votes,” Marcos’ lawyer Vic Rodriguez told The STAR in a text message. 

He also said the Vice President, being a lawyer and officer of the court, should refrain from making statements that tend to undermine the integrity and independence of the Supreme Court sitting as the PET.

Marcos lost to then Camarines Sur congresswoman Leni Robredo in the vice presidential race.

Rodriguez also said Marcos submitted himself to the jurisdiction of the PET through the filing of electoral protest and like him, Robredo should just wait for whatever pronouncement from the PET. 

He said allegations in relation to the vote recount are within the mandate of the PET to cite anybody in contempt for maligning or debasing the authority, integrity and independence of the Supreme Court.

Jonathan de la Cruz, Marcos’ political adviser, said Robredo knows well that the protest is being heard by the PET and has dragged for months.

“She (Robredo) should join the Marcos camp in seeking acceleration of the process and move the search for truth,” he added.