MANILA, Philippines ? Breaking his silence, Senator Manuel ?Mar? Roxas on Thursday asked Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, his closest rival in the vice presidential race, not to be quick in claiming victory in last Monday?s elections.

Latest partial unofficial vote tallies from the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) showed Binay leading Roxas by over 700,000 votes.

"Hanggat hind pa natatapos ang bilangan, tuluy-tuloy ang laban (Until the counting is over, the fight continues)," Roxas said in a press conference aired live on television.

Roxas, who celebrated his 53rd birthday on Thursday, claimed he has about a 1.5 million-vote lead over Binay from his bailiwick in the Visayas ? in Cebu and Negros Occidental.

"Hangga?t hindi nabibilang ang pinakahuling boto, hangga?t hindi nadidinig ang pinakahuling boses ng tao, andyan pa rin si Mar Roxas (Until the last vote is counted, until the last voice of the people are heard, Mar Roxas will still be there)," Roxas said.

Roxas began the media briefing by congratulating Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, who is leading the presidential race.

He addressed Aquino as "chief" but said this might be the last time that he would call him by that name.

He said the next time they would meet, he would address Aquino as "Mr. President.?