MANILA (2nd UPDATE) - Atty. Romulo Macalintal's pronouncement on Tuesday on behalf of Vice President Leni Robredo that they will not raise objections in the final canvassing of votes by Congress was a "show of deep patriotism," said Atty. Vic Rodriguez, spokesperson of presumptive President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

"We were surprised, but it was a good surprise," Rodriguez said in a press briefing shortly after the joint session of the 18th Congress, sitting as the National Board of Canvassers, began canvassing the votes for president and vice president.

"It was a show of deep patriotism. Ito na ang mensahe na dala namin nung kampanya at tumutugon naman ang lahat ng may pagmamahal sa bansa sa mensahe ng pagkakaisa," Rodriguez added.

(This is the message we have been carrying throughout the campaign, for all to unite for our love of country.)

"So as not to delay the proceedings of this board, we would like to make of record our continuing manifestation that we interpose no objection to the inclusion in the canvass of all the certificates of canvass (COCs) for president from the various provincial and city boards of canvassers found by this honorable board to be authentic and duly executed," Macalintal said.

Apparent fourth-placer in the polls Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso's counsel, Atty. Rizalina Lumbera, also took the floor to announce that Domagoso's camp would not object in the congressional canvassing.

"We interpose no objection in the inclusion of all COCs in the canvass for the position of the president. We recognize the integrity of the 2022 national and local elections," Lumbera said.

After the May 9 elections, Robredo and her running mate Senator Kiko Pangilinan had stated they were looking into and consulting experts regarding the results as well as election-related incidents, despite the landslide victory of Marcos Jr. and his running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

"We thank our esteemed compañero Atty. Romy Macalintal as well as Vice President Leni Robredo for recognizing the integrity of the election and the electoral process and for recognizing the vibrancy of our democracy, and recognizing the very clear win and mandate given by the Filipino people to Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez also thanked Domagoso's camp for doing the same.

Marcos Jr. is expected to attend the proclamation, which his camp expects to be on Wednesday or Thursday, depending on the speed of the canvassing in Congress, scheduled to be round-the-clock.

Rodriguez said Marcos Jr. took some time for a brief break but is already back at work in their EDSA Mandaluyong headquarters, meeting and interviewing possible members of his potential Cabinet.

The spokesperson said the public can expect "some names for potential nominees of those who will be part of [Marscos Jr.'s] governance" on Friday.

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