By Alec Go
Presidential candidate and Senator Manny Pacquiao has accepted his defeat from the presidential race late Tuesday evening, May 10, saying that he is praying for the success of the next administration to help the poor.
Pacquiao currently ranked third in the partial and unofficial election results with more than 3.6 million votes, trailing behind Vice President Leni Robredo and former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the top spot.
“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. My decision to run was driven by my utmost desire to serve the country and uplift the lives of poor Filipinos,” he said in a video shared in his Facebook page.
“Bilang isang boxer at atleta, marunong akong tumanggap ng pagkatalo. Sana lang kahit talo ako sa laban na ito, panalo pa rin ang mga kapwa kong Pilipino, ang mga naghihirap,” he added.
The world boxing icon, who is also serving his term as a senator, expressed gratitude to his family and supporters who joined him during the campaign period, and told the public not to lose hope.
Pacquiao said he is praying for Marcos Jr. who is currently leading in the partial tally with more than 31 million votes.
“Sa ating susunod na pangulong Bongbong Marcos, ako ay nananalangin para sa tagumpay ng iyong administrasyon na maraming mga mahihirap ang maingat ang buhay at matulungan,” he said.
“Sa ngayon ay gagamitin ko ang pagkakataon upang magpahinga at mabigyan ng mas mahabang oras ang aking pamilya,” he continued, adding that he will continue serving through Manny Pacquiao Foundation. – gb
