Retired boxing champion Manny Pacquiao conceded to Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in the presidential race, saying that as an athlete, he knows when to accept defeat.
"The people have spoken," Pacquiao said as Marcos cornered 31 million votes with 98% of results in an unofficial count based on Comelec data. The 47-year-old senator got 3.6 million, placing third behind Vice President Leni Robredo, who got 14 million.
"Bilang isang boxer at atleta, marunong akong tumanggap ng pagkatalo. Sana lang kahit talo ako sa laban na ito, panalo pa rin ang mga kapwa ko Pilipino, yung mga naghihirap. Huwag po kayo mawawalan ng pag-asa dahil hinding-hindi po tayo pababayaan ng Panginoon," Pacquiao said in a video message.
"Tapos na ang halalan kaya’t bigyan naman natin ng pagkakataon ang pagkakaisa para sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng ating bansa," he said.
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The sports icon said he prays for Marcos Jr.'s success so that more Filipinos could be uplifted from poverty.
"Sa ating susunod na pangulong Bongbong Marcos ako'y nanalangin para sa tagumpay ng iyong administrasyon na maraming mga mahihirap na maiangat ang pamumuhay na matulungan," he said.
Pacquiao said he would devote time to his family as he is set to end his term in the Senate.
Boxing's sole eight-division champion however assured Filipinos that he would continue to help the public through his foundation.
"I will definitely continue my mission to help our people through the Manny Pacquiao foundation. Hinding-hindi ko tatalikuran ang pagse-serbisyo para sa bayan at para sa mga kasama kong mahihirap. Patuloy po nating mahalin ang Pilipinas. Sama-sama po natin iangat ang dangal ng bawat Pilipino," he said.
"Maraming maraming salamat po mga kababayan sa pagkakataon na ito. Mahal na mahal po kayo ni Manny Pacquiao anuman ang mangyari, yan po ang aking puso na tunay na may malasakit sa mga naghihirap na tao," he added.
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