THE camps of presidential candidates Vice President Leni Robredo and Manila City Mayor Francisco Domagoso on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 expressed no objection in the canvassing of votes for the presidential and vice presidential elections.

“So as not to delay proceedings, we would like to put on record that we interpose no objection to the inclusion of the canvass of all certificate of canvass for president from the various provincial and municipal board of canvassers found by this honorable board to be authentic and duly executed in accordance with section 20 of Republic Act 7166,” veteran election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, who is representing Robredo, said in his manifestation during the canvassing being done by Congress.

“May we be allowed to respectfully waive our appearance before this joint committee to further expedite the proceedings,” he added.

Macalintal said Robredo recognized the voice of the majority based on the initial and unofficial result in which former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is leading.

Lawyer Rizalina Lumbera, who represented Domagoso, said they recognized the integrity of the 2022 national elections, as well as the conduct of canvassing.

In response, lawyer Vic Rodriguez, spokesperson of presumptive president Marcos, welcomed his fellow lawyers’ statement.

“We would like to recognize and thank the patriotism exhibited by VP Robredo for recognizing the integrity and the result of the recently concluded elections,” he said.

Senate Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri and House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez, chairpersons of canvassing of votes for the two top government posts, also welcomed the lawyers’ manifestation.

“After the manifestation of the counsels for candidate VP Leni Robredo, as well as Mayor Isko Moreno that they will no longer object to the results of the elections which would definitely hasten our proceedings,” Zubiri said.

“And we thank 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,” he added.

A total of 173 certificates of canvass, which were transmitted either physically or electronically, were turned over to the joint committee.

In an interview with reporters, Rodriguez said they are looking forward to the proclamation of Marcos and his running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Wednesday evening, May 25, 2022. (SunStar Philippines)