SEN. Manny Pacquiao has conceded the 2022 presidential race to former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who has maintained a commanding lead over the rest of the pack based on partial and unofficial tallies of the Commission on Elections.
In a recorded statement released late Tuesday night, the retired eight division boxing icon thanked his supporters but mentioned no immediate plans about his political career.
Pacquiao, who ran under the Promdi Party, remained a far third behind Marcos and Vice President Leni Robredo based on partial and unofficial tabulations.
For now, he said he intends to rest and spend time with his family after being away campaigning in various parts of the country over several months.
“The people have spoken. Tapos na ang halalan kaya’t bigyan naman natin ng pagkakataon ang pagkakaisa para sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng ating bansa. (With the election now behind us, it is time to set aside differences and focus on working for peace and progress),” he said.
While he earlier warned about potential poll cheating, Pacquiao said he is at peace with the outcome of the voting even if the Comelec has yet to proclaim the winning presidential candidate.
“My decision to run was driven by my utmost desire to serve the country and uplift the life of poor Filipinos. Bilang isang atleta marunong akong tumanggap ng pagkatalo. Huwag po kayong mawawalan ng pagasa dahil hinding hindi po tayo pababayaan ng ating Panginoon. (As an athlete, I know how to accept a loss. But do not lose hope because God will not abandon us),” Pacquiao said.
He also extended well-wishes to Marcos and his supporters.
“Sa ating susunod na pangulong Bongbong Marcos ako’y nanalangin para sa tagumpay ng iyong administrasyon na maraming mahihirap na maiangat ang pamumuhay. (To our next president Bongbong Marcos, I wish your administration would succeed in uplifting the lives of many of our countrymen),” he added.
Paquiao assured the public that despite a break from politics, he will continue in his work providing assistance to poor communities through the Manny Pacquiao Foundation.
Meanwhile, Senators Richard Gordon and Leila de Lima have accepted defeat in their re-election bids.
Gordon said he is bowing to the will of the people and congratulated those who have won.
“The people have spoken and I bow to their will. I congratulate those who have won and wish them success in the enormous task that lies ahead. I will forever desire victory and unity for our country and I pray that the Lord guide all our newly elected leaders as they endeavor to move our nation forward,” Gordon said in a statement.
He also thanked those who have worked with him during the campaign period.
De Lima also thanked the people who believed in her and wished the winners well.
“I would not have been here as a senator without your help, hard work and sacrifices. And I would not have had the strength and courage to keep fighting without your support and faith. As I have said, win or lose, it is the compassion for each other and love for our country that matter—love that propels our shared causes, no matter the cost or consequences,” she said.
De Lima said she did not regret anything, stressing that she is still, and forever will be, thankful for the opportunity to serve the Filipinos.
Gordon and de Lima ran under the team of Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Francis Pangilinan.
‘CONTINUE TO STAND GUARD’
As Robredo told supporters to accept the final result of the presidential race, she also reminded them on Tuesday night that genuine change can only be realized if the people will remain vigilant until the end of every new administration.
“This will only happen if he will stay vigilant; if we are always on-guard; if we’re fighting for it all the time,” Robredo said.
Robredo gave the message after attending a thanksgiving Mass at the Naga City Metropolitan Cathedral, Parish of St. John the Evangelist which was officiated by Most Reverend Rolando Tria Tirona, Archbishop of Caceres, who said the people who are clamoring for change should continue to soldier on despite the impending defeat of the opposition leader in the presidential race.
The Vice President’s camp is still looking into social media reports and allegations of irregularities surrounding automated counting of votes for possible legal options even if Marcos has emerged as runaway winner with more than 30 million votes.
“What I want to say is there is a bigger fight, the fight doesn’t end with the elections,” Robredo said as she thanked the Catholic Church for standing with her.
Robredo and her running mate, Sen. Francis Pangilinan, will attend a thanksgiving with supporters on Friday at the Quezon City Memorial Circle.
While the people have been complacent for a long time, the opposition leader was elated that more people are now participating in political exercises and going out to vote.
“It means that those who do not engage in politics can also participate to ensure that we elect deserving leaders,” Robredo said.
The outgoing Vice President, who was accompanied by her daughters, rallied her supporters to rise above adversity, saying “this is a test of our faith and it is up to us how to handle it.” — With Raymond Africa and Wendell Vigilia
