BONGBONG COMPLAINS OF LENI REVISER’S PRESENCE IN PET OUTING

Former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is questioning the presence of a member of Vice President Leni Robredo’s team of revisers in a swimming party attended by personnel of the electoral body handling his election protest against her.

On Monday, Marcos petitioned the Supreme Court, convened as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), to look into what he described as unlawful “fraternitizing” of his rival’s staff member with people tasked with scrutinizing the votes cast for the 2016 vice presidential race.

“[I] cannot help but wonder if the ongoing judicial recount and revision proceeding have been compromised given that the same is presided by the very same PET personnel who appear to be in cahoots with [Robredo’s] camp,” Marcos said in his 10- page manifestation.

As proof of his allegations, he attached several photos of the supposed event, which he claimed was held on June 22 at 3J’s Resort in Calamba City.

Both parties invited

Marcos identified Robredo’s reviser as Osmundo Abuyuan.

Romulo Macalintal, Robredo’s lead counsel, played down Marcos’ accusations, saying there was nothing wrong with the presence of one of their staff members in the outing as revisers from both parties were invited to the event.

“In fact, we are wondering why they are even asking for an investigation when they sent food to the said event,” Macalintal said in a statement.

The veteran election lawyer said the PET should not be “bothered by this trivial incident” in carrying out its mandate to resolve Marcos’ petition as soon as possible.