By Alec Go
Presidential candidate and former presidential spokesperson Ernesto “Ernie” Abella conceded to presumptive president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., three days after the country held its elections.
Abella, who served as one of the Palace spokespersons under President Rodrigo Duterte, is ranked seventh in the partial and unofficial vote tally as of Thursday afternoon, May 12.
“We respectfully adhere to the results of the election and acknowledge that Mr. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr is the 17th President of the Philippines,” Abella said in a statement through his campaign manager Johnwin Dionisio.
“God bless the News Administration, the Filipino people, and the Philippine Republic,” he added.
Abella ran as an independent candidate in the May 9 national and local elections. He is a columnist, business owner, pastor, and has also served the government as a foreign affairs undersecretary.
Among his platforms include the promotion of citizen and small entrepreneurs’ participation in governance, according to Vote Pilipinas.
He also sought for “better access to food and healthcare services to children and senior citizens.” – bny
