Enrile withdraws poll protest vs Recto

Former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile has withdrawn his election protest against Ralph Recto after the May 2001 senatorial election.

In a motion issued last March 13, the Senate Electoral Tribunal said Enrile decided to withdraw his protest because of huge expenses, as well as, "the time and efforts that will be spent in the revision and recount of the ballots."

Enrile, together with some members of the opposition Puwersa ng Masa-Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino, protested the proclamation of Recto who officially landed at 12th place. Recto had only a slim vote advantage over reelectionist Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan who was ranked by Comelec in 13th place.

The tribunal said that last February, 2002, Enrile was informed that the estimated expenses to be incurred was over P9 million and "considering the aforesaid expenses as well as the time and efforts that will be spent in the revision and recount of the ballots, and more importantly, that this protest may not be finished in time for protestant to be able to enjoy his term if ever he wins in this protest, protestant (Enrile) has decided to withsdraw his protest."

The election protest stemmed from the alleged padding of votes garnered by Recto from several places in Mindanao and Northern Samar.

In a manifestation issued by his counsel, Recto expressed no objection to the motion of Enrile to withdraw the instant election protest and further manifests that he is waiving his counterclaim.