Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao has formally conceded to presidential frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. following the latest partial and unofficial results from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Transparency Server which currently rank him third in the race.
In a Facebook post published late Tuesday, Pacquiao said “Bilang isang boxer at atleta, marunong akong tumanggap ng pagkatalo. Sana lang kahit talo ako sa laban na ito, panalo pa rin yung mga kapwa ko Pilipino – iyong mga naghihirap. Huwag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asa dahil hinding-hindi po kayo pababayaan ng Panginoon“.
Pacquiao is currently trailing behind fellow presidential aspirants Marcos and Vice President Leni Robredo.
In his concession statement, the former boxing champ shared that his decision to campaign for the presidency was rooted in his “utmost desire to serve the country and to uplift the lives of poor Filipinos.”
He also stated that he is praying for the success of the succeeding administration, especially in aiding the impoverished sector.
“The people have spoken. Tapos na ang halalan kaya bigyan naman natin ng pagkakataon ang pagkakaisa para sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran ang ating bansa“, he added.
Following the rigorous election season, Pacquiao said he will take the time to decompress and focus on his family but vowed to continue his campaign promises through the Manny Pacquiao Foundation.
“Hinding-hindi ko tatalikuran ang pagseserbisyo para sa bayan at para sa mga kasama kong mahihirap. Patuloy po nating mahalin ang Pilipinas. Sama-sama po natin iangat ang dangal ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.
Presidentiables Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Senator Panfilo Lacson, and Partido Lakas ng Masa standard-bearer Leody de Guzman have also conceded the presidential race.
Domagoso congratulated Marcos for being the overwhelming frontrunner in the elections, citing his wide lead and vowed to respect the decision of the Filipino electorate.
De Guzman, meanwhile, is in high spirits after running as labor leader for the role of Chief Executive, which he believes is often reserved for the “famous and billionaires”.
Lacson, who still has two months remaining in the Senate said he plans to spend more time with his family.
Meanwhile, Robredo thanked all her campaign’s supporters and volunteers, stating “Walang nasayang, hindi tayo nabigo. Pinakamahalaga, hindi pa tayo tapos. Nagsisimula pa lang tayo. May landas na nagbukas, at hindi ito sasara kasabay ng mga presinto. May kilusang isinilang at hindi ito papanaw sa pagtatapos ng bilangan”.
It is unclear whether Robredo conceded the race when she said, “Palinaw na nang palinaw ang tinig ng taumbayan.”