Ferdinand R. Marcos claims victory in Philippine presidential election

MANILA - The spokesperson of Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos claimed Wednesday afternoon that the former senator has won Monday's presidential election in the Philippines.

"With 98 percent of the votes counted and an unassailable lead of over 16 million votes, the Filipino people have spoken decisively," Marcos' chief of staff and spokesperson Victor Rodriguez said.

He said Marcos, son of former president Ferdinand Marcos and popularly known as Bongbong, will be the 17th president of the Philippines.

"In historic numbers, the people have used their democratic vote to unite our nation. This is a victory for all Filipinos and for democracy," he added.

Rodriguez said Marcos has promised to "be a president for all Filipinos" and "to seek common ground across political divides and to work together to unite the nation."

Rodriguez said Marcos "looks forward to working across the Philippines, and with international partners and organizations to address critical issues facing the country, and to begin delivering for the Filipino people."

Based on an unofficial tally of the Commission on Elections, Marcos defeated with majority nine other presidential candidates, including his main rival, outgoing Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo.

Data from the poll body's transparency server showed that Marcos garnered over 31 million votes, more than 58 percent of the votes already counted.