After being proclaimed as duly-elected 17th President of the Philippines before Congress, President-elect Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has asked Filipinos to pray for him.
“I ask you all, pray for me, wish me well. I want to do well because when a president does well, the country does well. And I want to do well for this country,” he said.
President-elect Marcos secured a landslide victory after receiving more than 31 million votes.
“To have received over 31 million votes from our countrymen is as valuable expression of trust as can be had by anyone in public life. And so for that I thank our people,” the former senator said.
“I am humbled because for anyone in public service or in a public life, the most valuable thing you may receive from a fellow citizen is their vote. Because embedded in that vote are their hopes and their aspirations for the future. But also embedded in that vote are the trust and the confidence that they give to you to take them to that aspirational future.”
He also vowed to strive for perfection during his term and asked the people to unite as one country.
“Beyond that, I promise you that we may not be perfect but we will always strive to perfection. Thank you very much. Magtulungan tayo para sa isang bayan na mapayapa at nagkakaisa. Mahal natin ang Pilipinas. May God bless the Philippines.”
Meanwhile, Malacanang has congratulated President-elect Marcos and his running mate Vice President-elect Sara Duterte.
“We congratulate Mr. Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and Ms. Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio on their electoral victory and for their proclamation as President-elect of the Philippines and Vice President-elect of the Philippines, respectively,” presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said.
“As both leaders are about to embark on the responsibilities and challenges of their respective offices, we reiterate our call for our people to stand behind our newly elected leaders.”