Aquino takes a big lead

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Minister of State for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Advocate Quamrul Islam speaking at the extended meeting of Dhaka City Awami League at the party office Thursday. — Focus Bangla Photo

MANILA, May 10 (AFP): Senator Benigno Aquino has taken a huge lead in the race for the Philippine presidency, securing more than 40 per cent of total votes counted, the election commission said Monday.
Former president Joseph Estrada was in second place with 25.76 per cent, while property magnate Senator Manny Villar was next with 13.98 per cent, Commission on Elections (Comelec) chair Jose Melo told reporters.
Just over 38 percent of the total votes cast in the country's first automated ballot had been counted by 9:45 pm (1545 GMT), Melo said, estimating the turnout at 75 percent of the 50 million eligible voters.
But in the vice presidential race, Jejomar Binay, mayor of the Makati financial district and Estrada's running mate, was ahead with 40.63 percent of votes tallied against 36.69 percent for Aquino's partner, Mar Roxas.
The winner of the Philippine presidential election is decided simply by one round of voting.