SATINDER BINDRA, CNN ANCHOR: In the Philippines, a week after elections for congress and thousands of local offices, the counting of votes is proceeding slowly, and raising disturbing questions. Maria Ressa reports.</s>MARIA RESSA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): They couldn't read the writing, the lights went out and continuing violence as political rivalries intensify; these are only some of the reasons why vote counting in the Philippines is going slower than expected. One week after more than 30 million Filipinos cast their ballots for 17,600 officials the counting continues. Exit polls and a tally so far show Mrs. Arroyo's candidates are winning in the crucial race for the senate, and candidates backed by Joseph Estrada won overwhelmingly in the poorest parts of the country and on the southern island of Mendenow (ph). This elections were largely seen as a referendum for Mrs. Arroyo serving out President Estrada's term in office. After tens and thousands of his supporters marched on to the palace May 1, the violence focused the foundation on the foundation of Mr. Estrada's support, the urban poor. Now Mrs. Arroyo is calling for healing, saying she will visit slum areas to spread this message. Over the weekend, she continued moves for reconciliation, visiting Mr. Estrada in his hospital prison. Mrs. Arroyo says she would not oppose his request for house arrest, and that she would build a bungalow in the hospital compound to act as his prison cell. Mr. Estrada is scheduled to go he to trial next month on corruption charges. Maria Ressa, CNN, Manila.
Counting of Votes in Philippines Proceeding Slowly, Raising Questions