Video President Leni Robredo backer, Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda has seemingly come to terms that the next Philippine president would most likely be former Senator Bongbong Marcos based on the "emerging results" of the 2022 Palace race.
"We have very little control over the past, but the future remains wide open for our efforts. A country that seeks greatness must be obsessed with the future, and all the opportunities it presents," Salceda said in a rather somber message on Tuesday morning, May 10, some 12 hours after polling precincts officially closed.
"As it appears that former Senator Marcos will become the next president, I wish him the very best. A successful Marcos presidency will be the success of the country as well," the Bicol solon said.
A few weeks into the campaign period, Salceda endorsed Marcos's most bitter rival, Robredo, for the presidency. However, the congressman decided to back Marcos's running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte for the vice presidency, and not Robredo's running mate, Senator Francis Pangilinan.
"I was convinced that my candidate was good for confidence in the Philippine economy. And I have spared no effort in making that message widely heard," Salceda, the House Committee on Ways and Means chairman, said of Robredo, who is also from Bicol.
"But we are all part of Team Philippines– and I will do my utmost so that foreign investors and Philippine businesspersons alike will feel confident about the new president," the economist-solon said.
As such, Salceda said he intends to keep his promise, which is to advise the next president on how to best move the country forward especially amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I have promised the people of Albay, and the Filipino people, that I will continue to offer what I believe to be the best advice on how to help us through this period of economic challenge, regardless of who becomes the next president. I intend to keep that promise.
"When the final outcome becomes beyond doubt, I will be submitting to the president-elect a comprehensive plan for fiscal and economic recovery – so that what we build out of this crisis is a stronger, more resilient, and more equitable economy. I have a tax plan and a public and private investment plan that I will submit to the next president in the coming days," Salceda said.