The Congress had proclaimed on Wednesday, May 25, former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as the country’s new president and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte as vice president following the fastest canvassing in the country’s election history.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Speaker Lord Allan Velasco proclaimed Marcos and Duterte as duly elected President and Vice President and raised their hands as celebratory gesture.
The declaration comes after a two-day official vote tally by the country’s National Board of Canvasser.
In a post on his social media page on the same day of the proclamation, Senate Pres. Sotto prayed for the top leaders of our nation and the Philippines as well.
“God bless our President and Vice President! God bless the Philippines,” he started his message to his page’s followers.
He then proceeds to state his own sentiments with regards to the past election; considering that he also took a chance on the vice-presidency position but lost.
“I choose kindness over bitterness, hope over regret and a positive attitude over despair. Masarap mabuhay nang walang masamang tinapay sa kapwa. Isang karangalan ang maging mabuting tao matalo ka man o manalo. 🙂 #SOTTOtoolang
His post earned him respect and admiration. More than 14K netizens liked his sentiments and almost a thousand put their admiration into words.
“I salute you for that Sen Sotto . That’s a good gesture with respect . Hope other candidate do the same.”
“Congratulations! tito Sen for your being humble & respectful. I salute you for that.(emojis) . Thank you for all your efforts and sacrifices.”
In a banner story shared by Balita PH on May 2, more positive comments poured for the 73-year-old senator.
“I will surely vote for him again in the senate. He is one of the good gentlemen in the senate with good reputations. Even his grandfather Vicente Sotto had also good records while working for the government. Hindi ito corrupt!”
“A class act right there. Remember it was he who had to raise Inday Sara’s hand in victory during the proclamation. God bless po.”
“So very classy, Sir! You deserve our highest respects, you and Sen. Lacson – Real statesmen and gentlemen.”
“The Philippines need honorable and dignified leaders like you. SALUTE!”
Interestingly, Sen. Sotto also shared a couple of photos taken from the wake of the late iconic actress Susan Roces wherein his wife, Helen Gamboa, is seen seated beside Liza, the wife of President-elect Bongbong Marcos.
“No politics, just family and friends like a Band of Sisters!”