MANILA, Philippines - Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel "Mar" Roxas II conceded on Tuesday afternoon to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in the presidential race.
"Digong, I wish you success. Ang inyong tagumpay ay tagumpay ng ating sambayanan at ng ating bansa," Roxas said in a press conference at the Liberal Party headquarters in Quezon City.
The former Interior secretary thanked his supporters throughout the campaign and called for reconciliation after a bitter quest for the highest post in government.
"Sa mga nagtiwala, hindi lang sa akin pero pati na rin sa mga prinsipyo na ipinaglaban natin, maraming maraming salamat... Salamat kay Pangulong Noynoy Aquino at sa kanyang pamilya, sa ating partido, Partido Liberal at sa kanyang mga kaalyadong partido, salamat sa mga (civil society organizations), mga (non-government organizations), sa 'Silent Majority,' sa mga ordinaryong mamamayan..." he said.
Roxas also mentioned that his running mate, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo's fight for the vice presidency is not yet done.
"Ngayon, hindi pa tapos ang laban ni Leni. Angat siya, lumalaban siya. Patuloy tayong magbantay, manalig at sumuporta. Siguraduhin natin na mabibilang ng tama ang kanyang boto," he said.
Ending his concession speech, Roxas consoled his supporters, telling them, "We had a peaceful, successful transfer of power. It's not about me."