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MANILA, Philippines – Anti-corruption presidential bet Senator Manny Pacquiao conceded the race to dictator’s son Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr..

On Tuesday night, May 10, Pacquiao issued a recorded statement admitting defeat to the presumptive president.

“Marunong ako tumanggap ng pagkatalo. Sana lang, kahit talo ako sa laban na ito, panalo pa rin ang mga kapwa ko Pilipino, ‘yung mga naghihirap,” Pacquiao said. (I know how to accept defeat. But I hope that even though I lost this race, my countrymen, especially the poor, still win in this scenario.)

Pacquiao bid Marcos well wishes.

“Sa ating susunod na pangulong Bongbong Marcos, ako’y nananalangin sa tagumpay ng inyong administrasyon na maraming mahihirap ang mai-angat ang buhay at matulungan,” Pacquiao said.

(To the next president Bongbong Marcos, I pray for the success of your administration, that the poor will be provided help and their lives will become better.)

Since the count started, Pacquiao has consistently ranked third among presidential candidates, mirroring the latest preelection survey.

Based on the partial and unofficial results, Pacquiao has 3,627,979 votes as of 11:10 pm on Tuesday, with 98.17% of precincts reporting results.

Frontrunner Marcos has more than 31 million votes as of Tuesday night and poised to be the first majority president post-EDSA People Power Revolution.

During the campaign, Pacquiao repeatedly slammed Marcos and his family. According to him, Filipinos should open their eyes to the possibility of another Martial Law under a Marcos presidency in a bid to revise history, erase tax liabilities, and reclaim seized assets.

Since the campaign started, Pacquiao consistently earned single-digit numbers in preelection surveys. 

Despite low numbers, Pacquiao told the media then that he would not withdraw from the race and would only do so if he receives a sign from God.

Pacquiao retired from his boxing career after announcing that he would be gunning for the presidency. He will be back to private life as his Senate term ends in June. He said he will continue to help the poor through his foundation.

Aside from Pacquiao, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno has also conceded to Marcos.

Below is the full text of Pacquiao’s concession statement:

The people have spoken. Tapos na ang halalan kaya’t bigyan naman natin ng pagkakataon ang pagkakaisa para sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng ating bansa.

My decision to run was driven by my utmost desire to serve the country and uplift the lives of poor Filipinos.

Bilang isang boxer at atleta, marunong akong ng pagkatalo. Sana lang kahit talo ako sa laban na ito panalo pa rin ang kapwa ko Pilipino – ‘yung mga naghihirap na mga Pilipino. ‘Wag po kayong mawawalan ng pagasa dahil hinding-hindi po tayo pababayaan ng ating Panginoon.

Sa aking pamilya, lalong lalo na sa aking asawa na si Jinkee na naging kasama ko sa buong kampanya, salamat sa pang-unawa at supporta at sa pagmamahal. Mahal na mahal ko kayong lahat.

Sa ating susunod na pangulong Bongbong Marcos ako’y nanalangin para sa tagumpay ng iyong administrasyon na maraming mahihirap na mai-angat ang pamumuhay na matulungan.

Sa ngayon ay gagamitin ko ang pagkakataon upang magpahinga at mas mahabang oras ang aking pamilya.

I will definetely continue my mission to help our people through the Manny Pacquiao Foundation. Hinding-hindi ko tatalikuran ang pagseserbisyo para sa bayan at para sa mga kasama kong mahihirap.

Patuloy po nating mahalin ang Pilipinas sama-sama po nating i-angat ang dangal ng bawat Pilipino.

Maraming maraming salamat po mga kababayan sa pagkakataong ito. Mahal na mahal po kayo ni Manny Pacquiao anuman ang mangyari. ‘Yan po ang aking puso tunay na may malasakit sa mga naghihihirap na tao.

Maraming maraming salamat po at nawa’y ingatan kayo palagi ng ating mahal na Panginoon. – Rappler.com