Roxas concedes, wishes Duterte success

MANILA, Philippines – A teary-eyed Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel Roxas II yesterday conceded defeat to Rodrigo Duterte and wished the outgoing Davao City mayor success as “your victory is the victory of the Filipino nation.”

Roxas issued the statement as the latest unofficial tally from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) showed him behind the tough-talking mayor by some six million votes.

“Digong (Duterte’s nickname), I wish you success,” Roxas said amid applause as well as sobs from his supporters at the LP headquarters in Cubao, Quezon City.

He called on Filipinos to “respect and accept the decision of our countrymen” to make Duterte the next president.

“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,” he said.

He said the lines separating supporters of presidential candidates should now be erased as “we are all Filipinos.”

“We’re pro-God, we respect and care for our fellow Filipinos and believe that all things good are worth fighting for,” Roxas said.

He said he would continue fighting for these principles even as he urged Filipinos to give their all to help the nation achieve its collective aspiration.

He thanked President Aquino and his family as well as the LP and allied political parties for their support.

He also expressed gratitude to various volunteer groups and non-government organizations and members of the “silent majority” for standing by him and his wife Korina.

“Everyday, you were with us facing challenges. Many of you stuck your necks out in this fight. Despite all the odds, you did not let go. For that, I’m very grateful,” Roxas said.

“I read somewhere that it is not the battle or the conquest that we remember. But the soldier who stood beside us, who we treasure the most,” he said.

Roxas also asked supporters to guard the votes of his runningmate Leni Robredo.

“Let’s continue to be vigilant and keep the faith and make sure that her votes will be counted,” he said.

Prior to facing the media, Roxas met with Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., Senate President Franklin Drilon, Robredo and other close supporters.

The announcement was supposed to be at 10 a.m. but it was reset to 1 p.m. because Roxas wanted to wait for Robredo, who came from her hometown of Naga City.

Robredo later told reporters that Roxas was ironically the one consoling her during their meeting.

“He (Roxas) told me that he will continue to support me and the party was at my disposal. Mar has been through so many battles, he’s much better than I am,” Robredo told reporters.

Tearful gathering

Supporters of Roxas shed tears and hugged one another after he made the announcement.

“We know that he is fighting for what is right. From day one, we know his vision for our people so we are supportive of him. The fight is not over yet. Hopefully it turns out very well for us Filipinos,” Alberto Alfaro, a media relations staff of Roxas, said.

Ines Bautista, a supporter, expressed belief the LP presidential candidate would continue to fight for the rights of the people.

“I still believe we will continue to move forward. People will be watchful of the government. I do not see him (Roxas) as a vengeful man but he will continue to be vigilant and he will speak out if there are wrongdoings,” she said.

Dempsey Reyes, a staff of Roxas, said he would remember the presidential candidate as someone who is dedicated to his work.

“He is serious in his work and he wants the job done. He has accomplished a lot and I still believe he is the most qualified to be president,” Reyes said.

His supporters sang the nationalist anthem “Bayan ko” after Roxas delivered his speech. They consoled each other and vowed to continue the fight for the straight path or tuwid na daan of the Aquino administration.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Andres Bautista yesterday lauded losing candidates who conceded defeat, saying the gesture “should become a tradition in future elections.” – With Sheila Crisostomo, Helen Flores, Robertzon Ramirez, Rainier Allan Ronda, Christina Mendez