SUPPORTERS shed tears Tuesday as administration candidate for president Manuel Roxas II conceded defeat to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, the runaway winner based on partial unofficial results.
Roxas reminded supporters, however, not to lose hope and support Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, who was in a tight race with Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the vice presidential race.
“Digong, I wish you success,” Roxas said, referring to Duterte by his nickname. “Your victory is the nation’s victory.”
“Let us respect and accept the decision of our countrymen,” he added.
Accompanied by his wife former broadcaster Korina Sanchez and LP vice chairmen Franklin Drilon and Feliciano Belmonte, Roxas was initially scheduled to hold a media briefing at 10 a.m. but it was moved to 1 p.m. after he met with his running mate Robredo.
Roxas thanked his supporters for taking the journey with him despite all odds.
“Everyday, we faced challenges together. I know that many of you stuck your necks out in this fight. But despite all of the challenges, you never left. You stood your ground. You accompanied me until the end. For that, I am very grateful.”
Roxas came in second to Duterte, based on the partial and unofficial count of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas-Parish Pastoral Council on Responsible Voting (KBP-PPCRV) Transparency server.
Roxas also urged supporters to continue being vigilant in protecting his running mate’s votes.
“Leni’s fight is not yet over. She’s still up and fighting. Let us continue to watch, pray and support [her.] Let us make sure that her votes will be counted right,” Roxas said.
“There are many tears in the room. Let me tell you: this is not a time for tears. For our country, we have had a peaceful successful transfer of power. It’s not about me. It’s not about anyone. It’s about how we love our country and how we’ll do all that we can for her. She’s the only one.”
“While we are doing this for Leni, let’s start by building our beloved nation,” he added.
Toward the end of the campaign period when Duterte built up a commanding lead, Roxas asked Senator Grace Poe to talk about a united effort to stop the Davao mayor from winning the presidency, but neither side was willing to withdraw from the race.
Poe said she did not regret her decision to stay in the race, saying there was no guarantee that her votes would go to Roxas if she withdrew.
In a press conference before midnight Monday, Poe conceded defeat.
Poe, who ran an independent candidate, said she gave way to Duterte who was clearly leading the count and was chosen by the majority of Filipinos.
Duterte on Tuesday said Poe had called him up to concede before her press conference.
“She was gracious enough to call me and said that in a few hours she’d go on TV or go on public that she’s conceding. She thanked me,” he said.
He said Poe even teased him for calling her an American girl.
“You, mayor, you called me an American. Look at your vice president (Senator Alan Peter Cayetano). ook at his face. He even looks like an American,” he said, quoting Poe.
“Since you go for the handshake, I accept it with humility. I can work with you,” he said, adding that he would support Poe’s push for electoral reforms.
“You will not encounter any problem with me. Consider me as your servant,” he said.
Duterte also said he was planning to visit Pope Francis in the Vatican to “apologize and pray,” his spokesman Peter Laviña said.
He added the president would also visit the United States, China and Japan to cement ties with the country’s major trade partners.