MANILA, Philippines – With more than half of the votes counted, the ruling Liberal Party (LP) admitted it’s “discouraged” by initial results but insisted the fight isn’t over just yet.

“Obviously we have to admit na medyo discouraging ‘yung initial result, pero hindi pa naman tapos itong boksing na ito, hindi ba (but the fight isn’t over),” LP-led “Daang Matuwid” coalition spokesman Akbayan Representative Ibarra Gutierrez told reporters on Monday night, May 9.

Partial, unofficial results had hit the 50% mark when Gutierrez faced reporters. (READ: 2016 Philippine election results)

LP standard-bearer Manuel Roxas II currently trails front runner Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Grace Poe.

The vice presidential race, meanwhile is a little closer. Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo, Roxas’ running mate, was around a million votes behind Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“We will continue monitoring. And we remain optimistic, and we remain committed to see this fight to the end,” said Gutierrez. – Rappler.com