Lawyer Israelito Torreon, spokesperson and legal counsel of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, announced on Tuesday that the evangelist is calling on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for a manual recount of the votes after he did not make it into the so-called Senators’ Magic 12.
“On behalf of Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, we sincerely thank the millions of Filipinos who supported his senatorial bid. Your trust and belief in his message of truth, justice, and accountability have been truly moving. Indeed, no injustice can stop a people awakened and united in faith and conviction. Pero ang ating laban ay hindi natatapos sa eleksyon,” posted Torreon on social media.
According to Torreon, with numerous reports of overvoting anomalies, inconsistencies in ballot readings, and other electoral irregularities, Quiboloy has called for a manual recount of the senatorial votes.
“This is not a rejection of our democratic process, but a call to strengthen it. We remain committed to seeking justice, and we will pursue all legal avenues to ensure the integrity of every vote cast,” Torrein clarified.
A partial and unofficial tally from the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) transparency server showed three Duterte allies—reelectionists Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go and Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, and Sagip Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta—remain in the Magic 12.
Outside the Top 12 based on the PPCRV tally are the other PDP-Laban candidates: lawyers Jimmy Bondoc, Jayvee Hinlo, Raul Lambino; Vic Rodriguez; and Doctor Richard Mata; actor Phillip Salvador, and Quiboloy.
Torreon explained that a manual counting of votes at the precinct level is supposedly expressly mandated by law, specifically Section 31 of RA 9369 or the Election Automation Law.
“There is no harm if we apply by analogy the said law in ordering a manual recount of votes in the light of numerous complaints aired in the recently concluded elections. We are simply invoking the law,” Torreon said.
Torreon added that it is within the broad powers of the Comelec, particularly its motu proprio powers, to call for such manual recount of votes, at their instance, even without a formal petition from a contestant, especially in the face of allegedly widespread and credible complaints, both domestically and overseas.
