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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Aquino set to become Philippines president

Los Angeles Times

MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos on Monday appeared set to elect as president the son of democracy icon Corazon Aquino in an attempt to turn a corner on long years of alleged graft and election fraud.

Sen. Benigno Aquino III held a commanding lead with votes from just under 80 percent of precincts tallied nationwide. He led a nine-candidate presidential race with 40 percent of the vote, followed by his closest rival, former President Joseph Estrada, who had 25 percent.

Officials say it could take several days to proclaim an outright winner.

The election has been marred by widespread violence and flaws with ballot-counting machines that many blamed on the corrupt politics.

Officials confirmed election-related violence at more than 80 polling places nationwide including bombings, shoot-outs, abductions and the burning of voting machines. At least a half-dozen people were killed and another eight were wounded, they said.

“We certainly don’t want it, and as a Filipino I know it’s a terrible thing, but unless something is done to change the system and (make) these people afraid of the law, it’s going to happen again and again,” said Rod Severino, head of the ASEAN Studies Centre at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore.