MANILA, Philippines – President-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III was a no-show during Saturday’s Independence Day celebration at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, Manila.

Aquino was in Batangas, standing as principal sponsor at the wedding of Laguna 3rd District Rep. Ivy Arago.

His running mate in the May 10 polls, Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, also stood as principal sponsor at Arago’s wedding.

The Liberal Party presidential and vice-presidential bets immediately left after the ceremony.

Roxas had been away from the public eye amid the tightly contested vice-presidential race.

Roxas’ camp said they would raise an electoral protest against Makati Mayor Jejomar “Jojo” Binay, who was proclaimed the vice-presidential winner in the 2010 automated elections. –Report from ANC