Presidential hopeful Senator Manny Pacquiao has accepted defeat in the 2022 elections as he also wished that the administration of his rival, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., will also be a victory for the poor Filipinos.
In a taped message on Tuesday night, Pacquiao said "the people have spoken" and "the elections are already done."
Pacquiao, who is ranking an unexpected 3rd in the partial and unofficial election results, then called on the public "to give unity a chance to attain peace and progress of the country" as he conceded.
"Bilang boxer at isang atleta marunong ako tumanggap ng pagkatalo (As a boxer and an athlete, I can accept defeat)," he said.
"Sana lang kahit talo ako sa laban na ito panalo pa rin ang mga kapwa ko Pilipino, 'yung mga mahihirap (I hope that even I lose the fight, my fellow Filipinos, the poor Filipinos, win)," added Pacquiao, who said his decision to run was actually driven by his passion to serve the country and uplift the lives of the poor.
As he also leaves his Senate post, he said he will now spend more time with his family. He added, he will definitely continue his mission to help the people through his foundation.
"Hinding hindi ko tatalikuran ang pagseserbisyo para sa bayan at para sa mga kasama kong mahihirap (I will not turn my back on giving my service for the country and for my fellow poor)," he said as he called on Filipinos to continue loving the country.
"Sa ating susunod na pangulong Bongbong Marcos, ako ay nananalangin para sa tagumpay ng iyong administrasyon, na maraming mga mahihirap ang maiaangat ang mga buhay at matulungan (To our next president, Bongbong Marcos, I pray for the success of your administration, that the poor will be helped and their lives improved)," he added.