Be consistent in applying rules in VP recount, PET told

Businessmen renewed their call on Wednesday for the consistent application of rules in the recount of votes for the vice-presidential post to ensure business confidence in the country.

In a statement, the Makati Business Club (MBC) urged the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) to apply the rules consistent with what the Commission on Elections (Comelec) used in counting votes for all positions in the May, 2016 polls.

“Political stability and consistency in the laws, regulations and policies are the

cornerstones that have produced the business confidence, job creation and strong growth of recent years,” the MBC said in a statement.

In the May, 2016 election, the votecounting machines were programmed to credit a candidate with a vote provided the circle beside his/her name was shaded at least 25 percent.

The MBC stressed this should therefore be the standard in the recount, not 50 percent.

“Inconsistent application of the rules will be a blow to the credibility of elections not only for the position of Vice President but for all other elected positions,” the Makati-based businessmen stressed.

Former Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. filed a protest against Vice President Leni Robredo on June 29, 2016, claiming the camp of Robredo cheated in the 2016 national polls.

Robredo won the vice presidential race with 14,418,817 votes or 263,473 more than Marcos’ 14,155,344 votes.

The MBC also expressed concern about the implications of the quo warranto case filed by the Office of the Solicitor General that resulted in the ouster of Maria Lourdes P. A. Sereno as Chief Justice and head of the Judiciary.

“It is absolutely essential for businesses that laws and contracts be upheld for them to invest and create more jobs, which is what will ultimately reduce poverty in a sustainable way,” MBC declared.