Presidential bet Nicanor Perlas not conceding yet

Independent presidential candidate Nicanor Perlas is not yet conceding victory to Benigno Simeon “Noynoy" Aquino III, at least not until the Commission on Elections gives its final tally and explains how it will address issues of millions unable to vote due to long lines, poll machine failures, and mismanagement in polling places. Perlas said in a statement that at this time, Aquino does not have a clear mandate yet and he may still be surpassed by former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada. But even if Aquino maintains his lead, his potential mandate remains indeterminate due to the partial failure of the automated election system that may have prevented more than 5 million Filipinos from voting, Perlas added. "Fast returns? Yes. Relatively peaceful? Yes. But accurate, clean and honest? Doubtful," said Perlas.

He clarified that he was endorsing neither Aquino nor Estrada, but making a point beyond the presidency. "I am concerned about the accuracy and honesty of the country's electoral process – the heart of the democratic exercise," he said, adding that he is not conceding because doing so would prevent him from asking whether our electoral process accorded sanctity to each and every ballot. "I am making this statement to appeal to Filipinos that we need to look beyond superficial or quick-fix solutions," he said, adding that being easily swayed by a quick broadcast of results masks deeper issues that have yet to be resolved. "Before we claim victory and celebrate based on quick results, let us ensure that the results reflect the true sovereign will, that voters were not disenfranchised, that the machines were not compromised, and that votes were not bought," he said. The GMA Network’s partial unofficial tally as of May 12, at 7 p.m., with 89.27 percent of election returns showed Perlas coming in eighth in the presidential race with 48,574 votes. GMA Netywork’s partial unofficial tally As of 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aquino had 13,711,649; followed by Estrada with 8,670,534; Manuel Villar Jr. (4,951,278); Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (3,648,146); Eduardo Villanueva (1,017,199); Richard Gordon (464,016); disqualified bet Vetellano Acosta (162,456); Perlas (48,574); Jamby Madrigal (41,776); and John Carlos de los Reyes (39,784). — LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV