With imminent victory in the horizon, leading presidential contender Bongbong Marcos Jr., has asked the citizens of the world to judge him by his actions, and not by his ancestors.
Marcos, the son and namesake of the late strongman and deposed former President Ferdinand Marcos, is only a few breath away from being declared the next president of the Philippines after defeating his closest rival, Vice President Leni Robredo, in the May 9 election.
In a statement released through his spokesperson Atty. Vic Rodriguez, Marcos’ camp has declared victory on Wednesday, May 11.
“With 98 percent of the votes counted, and an unassailable lead of over 16 million votes, the Filipino people have spoken decisively,” said Rodriguez in the statement.
Echoing their ‘unity’ campaign cry, Rodriguez said they are looking ‘to seek common ground across political divides, and to work together to unite the nation’.
“This is a victory for all Filipinos, and for democracy. To those who voted for Bongbong, and those who did not, it is his promise to be a President for all Filipinos,” the statement added.
Marcos also looks forward to working with international partners and organizations and to address critical issues facing the country and deliver for the Filipino people, according to Rodriguez.
“To the world, he says: Judge me not by my ancestors, but by my actions,” the spokesperson added.
Marcos, whose family fled the country following a bloodless revolt in February 1986 that culminated in what is now called the EDSA People Power, is expected to reclaim Malacanang and will be declared the 17th president of the republic.
As of Wednesday, May 11, the former senator has posted a seemingly insurmountable lead over Robredo, with more than 31 million votes as against the Vice President’s 14 million plus votes based on the unofficial results from 98% of election returns.
Most of his rivals like Senator Manny Pacquiao, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and labor leader Ka Leody De Guzman have already conceded their defeat.
Robredo, on the other hand, has urged her supporters to respect the results of the election but admits to consulting with experts on the alleged poll irregularities.