5 presidential bets concede: "LOSING presidential bets Sens. Manuel Villar of the Nacionalista Party and Bagumbayan’s Richard Gordon, as well as former defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro and evangelist Eduardo Villanueva, conceded to Liberal Party standard-bearer Sen. Benigno Aquino III even before Congress could convene as a canvassing board prior to proclaiming Aquino as the official winner in the May 10 elections.
In a separate TV interview, JC de los Reyes of Ang Kapatiran Party also conceded.
Villar, who ranked behind former President Joseph Estrada of Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino at second place in the initial official count of the presidential votes, said, however, that “it was a fight well fought.”"
“Nagpasiya na ang mamamayang Pilipino. Malinaw na sa kabila ng ating pagpupunyagi, hindi tayo nabiyayaan ng tagumpay sa halalan noong Lunes,” Villar told reporters at a news conference.
“Humaharap ako sa inyo ngayon upang tanggapin ang pasiyang ito. Upang igalang ang boses ng samba-
He then proceeded to congratulate Aquino on his victory. “The challenges he and our country faces are enormous and we should all work together.”
In a separate statement, Gordon congratulated Aquino for a “spectacular victory.” Gordon likewise called on the nation to unite and support Aquino.
“I would like to congratulate all the winners and pray that they serve our country well. We accept the will of the people,” Gordon added.
Teodoro also conceded defeat and said he would return to private life and continue being a good husband and a good father.
Teodoro, who is ranked fourth in the official count of the Commission on Elections, said he hoped that the next administration under Aquino will give justice to Filipinos by introducing genuine reforms that would significantly change their lives, especially the poor.
He expects Aquino, whom he also congratulated, will abandon vindictive politics.
Teodoro was very relaxed when he announced his decision to concede.
Villanueva, on the other hand, vowed to help in nation-building after congratulating Aquino. He also thanked those who voted.
“Salamat po sa lahat ng Pilipinong nanindigan para bumoto at magluklok ng kanilang lider sa puwesto. Iyan po ang kapangyarihan ng eleksyon,” he said in a statement.
“Bangon Pilipinas submits to the will of the Filipino people.”
In a statement, Villanueva said: “With our new leaders elected, Bangon Pilipinas will find ways to help in nation-building, especially in areas where we could pursue social reforms that would benefit the majority of the Filipino people.
“I will continue advocating for righteous governance and will pursue the ideals and principles that guide Bangon Pilipinas.” Though he placed fifth in partial unofficial tallies, Villanueva placed seond in absentee voting among Hong Kong-based OFWs.
In Manila, former National Police chief Avelino Razon Jr., conceded to reelectionist Mayor Alfredo Lim.
In a statement, Razon said: “As a professional soldier and a dedicated public servant, I value the experience from our struggle for a better Manila, especially in the past 45 days. It gave me a broader perspective of the city, the challenges and opportunities I could have confronted as the leader of Manileños. But it was not meant to be. The people of Manila have spoken and I shall respect it. I congratulate the winner, Mayor Alfredo Lim, and I thank all Manileños for your support.”
He also thanked the organizers and members of his campaign vehicle, We Are the Reason Movement.
“They were the first to believe that we can be the epitome of alternative change. Thank you to the many men and women who worked so hard for this campaign. With the time, effort and commitment that you have invested, I still believe that we could all one day realize our collective dream of a brighter future for our beloved city.”
Razon added: “Today, we stand proud, with our heads held high. We have fought the good fight, and we have done so with honor, dignity, courage and clarity of purpose.”
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