Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a candidate for president, said he spent the past six years understanding the country’s automated election system and now understands its problems.

Marcos advised Filipinos to vote carefully regardless of who they were voting for during a media briefing in Cagayan de Oro.

“Marami na tayong natutunan since 2016. We spent the last 6 years, studying the problem so we learned many, many things… Even if hindi kami nanalo sa protesta, I think we’ve proven that it wasn’t the proper results,” (“We have learned a lot since 2016. We spent the last 6 years studying the problem so we learned many, many things… Even if we didn’t win, I think we’ve proven that it wasn’t the proper results”) Marcos stated.

“To be philosophical about it, God has other plans for me, and being vice president is not part of it,” he continued.

“Anyway, we know much better now what the system is and ano yung mga weakness… Kaya nung nagkaroon ng security breach sa Smartmatic ay nakita agad dahil alam na natin saan magbabantay,” (“Anyway, we know much better now what the system is and what are its weaknesses. That’s why when there was a security breach, we’ve known already”) Marcos stated.

“Whoever you’re voting for, guard your vote. Bantayan nyo ng mabuti…para makatiyak tayo na bawat boto ay mabibilang… bawat boto ay ma-register at masasama sa final counting ng boto ng Pilipinas,” (“Whoever you’re voting for, guard your vote. Guard it so we’ll be assured that every vote will be countered and registered”) Marcos stated.

He filed an electoral protest, but during the process, Robredo’s lead grew much larger.