PDP Laban seeks recount of votes in senatorial polls

Metro Manila, Philippines - PDP Laban, the party of former President Rodrigo Duterte, formally sought a manual recount of votes in the 2025 Senate race due to alleged irregularities.

Lawyer Israelito Torreon and losing PDP senatorial candidate Jimmy Bondoc filed the supplemental petition for mandamus before the Supreme Court on Monday, June 23.

In the six-page document, the petitioners claimed of supposed hijacking of election returns, mismatches between ballot and voter receipt, and the alleged exclusion of 17 million senatorial votes from the official tally, among others, during the May 12 polls.

“Whether such manual counting or recount be partial, targeted, or nationwide, petitioners humbly leave the same to the sound discretion of his Honorable Court, with due regard to the extent of necessity, efficiency, and economy or cost-effectiveness in implementing the pertinent election laws,” PDP said in its petition.

“What is essential is that the mandated process under our prevailing election laws be carried out, so that the truth may be known, accountability may be identified and exacted, and public confidence in the electoral process may be restored,” the party added.

Only three PDP senatorial bets won in the Senate race namely, re-electionists Bong Go and Bato dela Rosa and Sagip Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta.

Guest candidates Imee Marcos and Camille Villar also entered the winning circle.

In a statement, the Commission on Elections said it welcomes the group’s petition.

“Welcome po sa Comelec ang mga ganitong remedy (The Comelec welcomes these remedies) to prove the real mandate of the electorate. We will just wait for the SC action on this matter,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia said.