
At present, the revision in Iloilo is already finished for the initial recount of Bongbong Marcos’ electoral protest against the presumptive VP Leni Robredo. Up next, is the 400 ballot boxes from Camarines Sur. This is estimated to be finished in about a week. Next, will be the 1,284 ballot boxes from Negros Oriental. The Supreme Court can then make their decision on the 3 pilot provinces before the half of the year 2019. Meanwhile, with worries about cancer, President Rodrigo Du30’s word on resigning seems at hand. If Marcos wins his protest he sees him as one of the better-qualified public figures to succeed him, if not the most capable one.
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[VIDEO]: President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday skipped an event at Malacañang, but the Palace did not provide any reason for him being absent at a PAGCOR event.
Election Protest Timeline
The revision of the ballots from Negros Oriental is expected to be finished by November. Next on the timeline, would be the presentation of evidence. This can be started by January. Consequently, if the whole of January will be given to BBM and February is given to Robredo, for the presentation of their evidence, the appreciation stage of the proceedings can be started by March. If PET will be quick with the appreciation stage, they can make the decision about the 3 pilot provinces before the half of 2019.
Schedule for the Evidence
Despite the evidence that is already out the PET still, haven’t made a decision because the due process must be observed for the electoral protest. After the revision proceedings of the ballots from the 3 pilot provinces can the presentation of evidence be started.
The President’s Anointed Successor
It is not a secret that President Du30 is looking at Marcos to succeed his presidency. He announced on recently that he prefers someone like Marcos or Escudero to replace him when he resigns. Furthermore, in recent media appearances, through his spokesman, he says that he will resign if Marcos wins his protest. This is despite the alleged Martial Law atrocities during his father’s time.
Influencing the Supreme Court
Asked if Du30 wants Marcos to win his protest before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said: “That I do not know. That’s a different question.” We posted on Twitter on Friday: “By announcing his preference, is the President trying to influence the PET or the Supreme Court on the Marcos electoral protest? Also, a signal for PET to rush Marcos winning his protest? President Du30 announcing his preference, however, begs the question if he is trying to influence the PET to rush making a decision in favor of Marcos.
The President Cannot Dictate the Supreme Court
It is not however for Du30 to dictate who should succeed him after his presidency. The President is sworn to uphold the constitution, and the line of succession is clearly defined within. The SC Justices sitting as PET members must be unbiased in their decision for the protest. They should rule for Marcos if the evidence collected is substantial enough as verified by Atty. Glenn Chong.
Influence is Possible
Du30 may well be trying to influence the PET and the public to accept his plans and preferences. His announcements can be seen by his detractors as machinations. As can be recalled with the quo warranto petition of Supreme Court CJ Maria Lourdes Sereno that the Filipino leader vowed to remove. Consequently, the majority of the tribunal voted to have her ousted, if for sure can’t just be a coincidence.