This is where the real work begins.
The elections this year has been unusually divisive. With the abundance of bickering, exposés and black propaganda in the past few months, the campaign season was a wild rollercoaster ride. Now that it’s over, we have to set aside our differences and move forward as a nation — for our own good.
The candidates who viciously attacked one another just days ago are now encouraging our country to heal. Let’s take inspiration from their display of support for each other. If these politicians can gracefully work together for the betterment of the country, their supporters should be able to follow suit.
The frontrunner Rodrigo Duterte was the first to extend his hand to his opponents when he said that they “should begin the healing now.” He released his statement right after voting on May 9.
“I’m sure feathers have been ruffled terribly. There’s the hurt. The black propaganda and kitchen sink thrown at us. I extend my hands to opponents, let’s be friends. Forget about the travails of the elections,” Duterte added.
Poe and Binay showed their support for Duterte that evening.
Via a short statement released to the media, Binay called for healing and unity. He said that we should respect the outcome of the democratic process.
Poe promised to support Mayor Duterte in his endeavors as president. She respects the voice of the people, she said. Poe and Duterte reportedly talked over the phone before she held a press conference at her satelite office in Quezon City.
Mar Roxas, who is in the second spot in the partial and unofficial counting, also showed support for the new president.
“Digong, I wish you success. Ang iyong tagumpay ay tagumpay ng ating sambayanan, ating bansa (Your victory is the victory of the whole nation, or country).” As the current administration’s presidential bet, he was probably the Mayor’s biggest rival.
Miriam Defensor-Santiago has not released a statement about her defeat yet.
Some of the vice presidents have already conceded. They also had the same inspiring messages for the people.
“Sana imbis na magpatuloy yung hidwaan at bangayan, kung sino man ang mananalo, bigay natin sa kanila ang ating suporta, dahil tatayo sila bilang pangulo at ikalawang pangulo ng buong bansa, (I hope that instead of continuing the rifts and quarrels, let us give our support to the winners because they will serve as the president and vice president of the entire nation).” Escudero said when he conceded.
Gringo Honasan, the last in the vice presidential race offered his prayers and congratulations to Duterte.
“May Almighty God grant you the wisdom, courage, compassion, and vision to help heal unite and lead the Filipino People towards a brighter future for the sake of our most precious God-given next generation of citizens and leaders: our Children,” he said.
Senator Trillanes also accepted defeat. Though he was the one who accused Duterte of owning undisclosed wealth, he said that he respects the will of the people.
“They have spoken clearly and resoundingly that they want Mayor Duterte to be our next president,” Trillanes said in a statement.
“I assure the Mayor and our countrymen that I will not be a hindrance to the reform initiatives he intends to push in our government,” he added.
Mayor Duterte’s running-mate, Alan Cayetano said that he will help Duterte in congress. He also added the those who win fair in the elections deserve the support of the people.
The other two vice presidential candidates, Leni Robredo and Bongbong Marcos are now in a neck-and-neck race.
