Robredo: Fight not over yet, guard vote counting

MANILA, Philippines — A day after the midterm elections, Vice President Leni Robredo urged the public to continue the nation’s fight.

In a statement on Tuesday, Robredo said the fight doesn't end with elections as she called on the Filipinos to guard the ongoing vote counting.

“Pagod man tayong lahat sa kampanya at sa mahabang araw kahapon, sulit ang lahat dahil pinanindigan natin ang ating mga prinsipyo at paniniwala,” Robredo said.

(We may be tired after the campaign and the long day yesterday, everything’s worth it because we stood by our principles and beliefs.)

“May laban pa tayong hinaharap. Hindi pa tapos ang bilangan, at kailangan pang bantayan,” she added.

(We still have a battle to fight. The counting is not yet over and we have to guard it.)

The vice president, who endorsed opposition candidates under the Otso Diretso coalition, praised the senatorial bets for their dedication in the elections.

Despite the loss of the senatorial slate she supports, Robredo said she still wanted Filipinos to unite for the nation.

“Ipinamalas ng ating mga kandidato at volunteers ang tapang at dedikasyon sa ating adhikain. Huwag natin ito bitawan. Paghugutan natin ng lakas ang bawat isa. Marami pa tayong kailangan gawin at marami pa tayong magagawa,” Robredo said.

(The candidates and volunteers showed bravery and dedication for our advocacies. Let's hold on it.  Let's draw strength from each other. We have a lot of things to do and we will do more.)

“Hanggang sa huli, sama-sama tayo sa labang ito (Until then, we're one in this fight),” she added.

The Otso Diretso candidates advanced well in the Bicol Region. Around 35.6% of voters in Camarines Sur opted for the opposition coalition’s candidates in the senatorial race. Robredo hails from Naga City in Camarines Sur.

Earlier, reports said Naga City was the sole city where the complete Otso Diretso candidates made it to the top 12 of the Senate elections. The opposition slate, however, failed to make it to the partial and unofficial results of the Senate race nationwide.