Comelec on manual vote count calls: Random manual audit ongoing

Metro Manila, Philippines - Amid calls for manual vote counting, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) noted on Wednesday, May 14, that a random manual audit is already underway.

Comelec spokesperson Rex Laudiangco explained that a manual vote count is conducted through random manual audit, which began on Wednesday, and during an election protest.

“Diyan (electoral protest) po magkakaroon ng opening of boxes at ‘yun pong ating tinatawag na recounting ballots,” Rex Laudiangco said in a press briefing.

[Translation: An electoral protest will prompt the opening of boxes and recounting of ballots.]

Comelec Chairman George Garcia, meanwhile, said a separate manual recount is a longer process.

“Mas mahaba po ‘yun ‘di hamak kapag nag-manual recount tayo sa buong eleksyon,” Comelec chairman George Garcia said.

[Translation: Manual recounting of all the votes would take some time.]

Detained religious leader Apollo Quiboloy, who is seeking a Senate seat, and Gabriela party-list called for a manual count of ballots over complaints of anomalies.