"If only for this, you have my high respect"
05/11/2010 | 11:13 AM
4 presidential bets concede defeat, congratulate Noynoy
(Updated 4:54 p.m.) As the picture of a Noynoy Aquino administration becomes clearer, four of his rivals for the presidency on Tuesday threw in the towel as they congratulated him for what seems like his impending victory.
First to admit defeat was Aquino’s colleague in the Senate and fiercest rival to the presidency during the campaign period, Nacionalista Party’s Manny Villar Jr.
"Humaharap ako sa inyo ngayon upang tanggapin ang pasyang ito. Upang igalang ang boses ng sambayanang Pilipino (I now face you all to admit my defeat). I congratulate Senator Noynoy Aquino on his victory. The challenges he and our country faces are enormous and we should all work together," he said, reading a prepared statement during a press conference in Mandaluyong City.
Villar's move earned him admiration from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
"The commission expresses its deep admiration for Senator Manuel Villar for his act of statesmanship for conceding the elections," said Comelec chairman Jose Melo at a press briefing Tuesday afternoon.
Sen. Richard Gordon of Bagumbayan, Ang Kapatiran’s JC de los Reyes, and Lakas-Kampi-CMD's Gilberto Teodoro Jr. followed Villar's steps. In a statement posted on his Facebook account, Gordon congratulated Aquino for his "spectacular victory" and called upon the nation to unite and support the new administration.
"We accept the will of the people. Today, we have a victory for democracy with the successful exercise of our first nationwide automated election despite naysayers and doubters," said Gordon.
In a text message to reporters, De los Reyes said that although Aquino’s platforms differ from his, he would still "support his government in other reform efforts we have in common."
Teodoro, who is Aquino's cousin, said he is happy with the results of the elections.
According to GMA Network's partial and unofficial tally as of 4:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Aquino remained at the top spot with 13,036,271 votes. Villar ranked third with 4,680,580; Teodoro at 4th with 3,470,136; Gordon at sixth place with 446,203; and De los Reyes at ninth with 37,726.
Thank you’s
Villar thanked his party mates at the Nacionalista Party and supporters who supported his presidential bid, and said he would continue working for the welfare of the poor.
"Bagama’t ako ay hindi pinalad, ang aking pangarap na tapusin ang kahirapan ay hindi pa nagwawakas. Ito ay aking ipagpapatuloy bagama’t sa ibang paraan (Although I didn’t win, my efforts to end poverty in this country will continue)," he said in a sober tone.
Villar, a self-made billionaire, also thanked his supporters and volunteers who helped him through the campaign. He, however, expressed sadness about the allegations and negative propaganda that have hounded him throughout his campaign.
"Ako ay naniniwala na sa darating na mga araw ako ay mabibigyan ng pagkakataon na linisin ang aking pangalan upang maliwanagan ang ating mga kababayan. Yan ay mahalaga sa akin higit sa anupamang bagay," he said.
(I believe that soon I’ll be given a chance to clear my name before the public. That’s the most important thing to me.)
Villar smiled but declined to take questions from the reporters, leaving the Nacionalista Party headquarters immediately after the press briefing.
Life after campaign
Teodoro, a former lawmaker and Defense secretary, said he has no plans of staying in politics, adding that he would rather return to being a family man. “Malaki ang utang ko sa kanila (I now owed a lot to my family). I will go back to being a good husband, a good father," he said.
“I have served my country the best I could. I don't think anyone can ask more of me," he added. He also dismissed calls for him to run for senator in the 2013 midterm elections.
Teodoro thanked his supporters whom he said did not support him but his idea of national unity and positivism. He said he is not blaming anybody for his defeat.
Gordon likewise thanked his supporters, especially his volunteers particularly "those who gave up their limited resources as a manifestation of trust in his brand of leadership and track record."
"I ran a very truthful, straightforward and candid campaign and thought we could run on the basis of our platform, track record and volunteerism," he said. — with Carmela Lapeña, Aie B. See, and Kim Tan/LBG/RSJ/KBK, GMANews.TV
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Gibo, Gordon, and JC concede to Aquino
05/11/2010 | 04:26 PM
Gibo admits defeat to cousin Noynoy
CARMELA LAPEÑA, GMANews.TV
Administration bet Gilberto “Gibo" Teodoro Jr. on Tuesday afternoon joined the ranks of presidential aspirants who conceded defeat to his cousin, Liberal Party’s Sen. Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III.
“Bagama’t hindi pa official, mukhang si Senator Aquino na (Although it’s not yet official, I think Senator Aquino is already the winner in the elections)," Teodoro said during a press briefing at the Lakas-Kampi-CMD headquarters in Greenhills, San Juan.
“I am so far happy with the results [of the elections]," he added.
Partial elections results showed Teodoro at fourth place behind Aquino, former President Joseph Estrada (Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino) and Sen. Manny Villar Jr. (Nacionalista Party).
As of 4:15 p.m., the GMANews.TV partial and unofficial tally on presidential aspirants showed Teodoro with 3,470,136 votes compared to Aquino’s 13,036,271; Estrada’s 8,345,826; and Villar’s 4,680,580.
Before Teodoro, Villar, Richard Gordon (Bagumbayan) and JC de los Reyes (Ang Kapatiran) had also admitted their defeat to Aquino, son of the late President Corazon Aquino and slain Sen. Benigno “Ninoy" Aquino Jr.
Teodoro, a former lawmaker and Defense secretary, said he has no plans of staying in politics, adding that he would rather return to being a family man. “Malaki ang utang ko sa kanila (I now owed a lot to my family). I will go back to being a good husband, a good father," he said.
“I have served my country the best I could. I don't think anyone can ask more of me," he added. He also dismissed calls for him to run for senator in the 2013 midterm elections.
Teodoro thanked his supporters whom he said did not support him but his idea of national unity and positivism. He said he is not blaming anybody for his defeat.
“I did not fight for a political position for myself but for an idea. What can we do right for the country? Winning or losing is secondary. We fight for an idea—an idea of competence. Basic education reform, college graduate opportunities for every family, food security, genuine sustainable agrarian reform, localized peace processes, strong foreign relations, and several others," he said.
He also thanked the media which he said was mostly supportive of him. “Those in front of me, you have been fair. But those not here, I’ll have to reserve my judgment."
Teodoro said he has not spoken with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo about his plans after the elections. —KBK, GMANews.TV
05/11/2010 | 03:44 PM
Gordon concedes to Noynoy
Bagumbayan standard-bearer Richard "Dick" Gordon on Tuesday became the third presidential aspirant to concede defeat to Liberal Party’s Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Gordon congratulated Aquino on his “spectacular victory" and called upon the nation to unite and support the new administration.
“We accept the will of the people," said Gordon who, as of 3:40 p.m., ranked 6th (446,203 votes) among nine presidential aspirants in GMANews.TV’s partial and unofficial tally.
“I ran a very truthful, straightforward and candid campaign and thought we could run on the basis of our platform, track record and volunteerism," he added in admitting his defeat.
He also said he would like to congratulate all the winners and pray that they serve the country well.
Gordon thanked his supporters, especially his volunteers and “those who gave up their limited resources as a manifestation of trust in his brand of leadership and track record."
Above all, Gordon expressed exhilaration that the country’s first nationwide automated elections on Monday went well despite glitches in the machines used.
“Today, we have a victory for democracy with the successful exercise of our first nationwide automated election despite naysayers and doubters," he said. —Carmela Lapeña/KBK, GMANews.TV
05/11/2010 | 01:08 PM
Ang Kapatiran's JC de los Reyes concedes to Noynoy
Ang Kapatiran Party Presidential candidate John Carlos de los Reyes has conceded to Sen. Benigno"Noynoy" Aquino III of the Liberal Party, a day after the historic nationwide automation was held.
"I conceded as to the electoral count but not as to the platforms I was tasked to push," de los Reyes said in a text message sent to his party's media officer.
"Sen. Aquino is not one with us in these radical reform we need for our country, but I will support his government in other reform efforts we have in common," the text added.
De los Reyes is the youngest among the nine presidential contenders.
His party, which promotes the social teachings of the church, has been supported by several bishops all over the country.
De los Reyes lagged behind pre-election surveys conducted by pollsters Pulse Asia and Social Weather Stations. - RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV
Gibo admits defeat to cousin Noynoy
CARMELA LAPEÑA, GMANews.TV
Administration bet Gilberto “Gibo" Teodoro Jr. on Tuesday afternoon joined the ranks of presidential aspirants who conceded defeat to his cousin, Liberal Party’s Sen. Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III.
“Bagama’t hindi pa official, mukhang si Senator Aquino na (Although it’s not yet official, I think Senator Aquino is already the winner in the elections)," Teodoro said during a press briefing at the Lakas-Kampi-CMD headquarters in Greenhills, San Juan.
“I am so far happy with the results [of the elections]," he added.
Partial elections results showed Teodoro at fourth place behind Aquino, former President Joseph Estrada (Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino) and Sen. Manny Villar Jr. (Nacionalista Party).
As of 4:15 p.m., the GMANews.TV partial and unofficial tally on presidential aspirants showed Teodoro with 3,470,136 votes compared to Aquino’s 13,036,271; Estrada’s 8,345,826; and Villar’s 4,680,580.
Before Teodoro, Villar, Richard Gordon (Bagumbayan) and JC de los Reyes (Ang Kapatiran) had also admitted their defeat to Aquino, son of the late President Corazon Aquino and slain Sen. Benigno “Ninoy" Aquino Jr.
Teodoro, a former lawmaker and Defense secretary, said he has no plans of staying in politics, adding that he would rather return to being a family man. “Malaki ang utang ko sa kanila (I now owed a lot to my family). I will go back to being a good husband, a good father," he said.
“I have served my country the best I could. I don't think anyone can ask more of me," he added. He also dismissed calls for him to run for senator in the 2013 midterm elections.
Teodoro thanked his supporters whom he said did not support him but his idea of national unity and positivism. He said he is not blaming anybody for his defeat.
“I did not fight for a political position for myself but for an idea. What can we do right for the country? Winning or losing is secondary. We fight for an idea—an idea of competence. Basic education reform, college graduate opportunities for every family, food security, genuine sustainable agrarian reform, localized peace processes, strong foreign relations, and several others," he said.
He also thanked the media which he said was mostly supportive of him. “Those in front of me, you have been fair. But those not here, I’ll have to reserve my judgment."
Teodoro said he has not spoken with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo about his plans after the elections. —KBK, GMANews.TV
05/11/2010 | 03:44 PM
Gordon concedes to Noynoy
Bagumbayan standard-bearer Richard "Dick" Gordon on Tuesday became the third presidential aspirant to concede defeat to Liberal Party’s Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Gordon congratulated Aquino on his “spectacular victory" and called upon the nation to unite and support the new administration.
“We accept the will of the people," said Gordon who, as of 3:40 p.m., ranked 6th (446,203 votes) among nine presidential aspirants in GMANews.TV’s partial and unofficial tally.
“I ran a very truthful, straightforward and candid campaign and thought we could run on the basis of our platform, track record and volunteerism," he added in admitting his defeat.
He also said he would like to congratulate all the winners and pray that they serve the country well.
Gordon thanked his supporters, especially his volunteers and “those who gave up their limited resources as a manifestation of trust in his brand of leadership and track record."
Above all, Gordon expressed exhilaration that the country’s first nationwide automated elections on Monday went well despite glitches in the machines used.
“Today, we have a victory for democracy with the successful exercise of our first nationwide automated election despite naysayers and doubters," he said. —Carmela Lapeña/KBK, GMANews.TV
05/11/2010 | 01:08 PM
Ang Kapatiran's JC de los Reyes concedes to Noynoy
Ang Kapatiran Party Presidential candidate John Carlos de los Reyes has conceded to Sen. Benigno"Noynoy" Aquino III of the Liberal Party, a day after the historic nationwide automation was held.
"I conceded as to the electoral count but not as to the platforms I was tasked to push," de los Reyes said in a text message sent to his party's media officer.
"Sen. Aquino is not one with us in these radical reform we need for our country, but I will support his government in other reform efforts we have in common," the text added.
De los Reyes is the youngest among the nine presidential contenders.
His party, which promotes the social teachings of the church, has been supported by several bishops all over the country.
De los Reyes lagged behind pre-election surveys conducted by pollsters Pulse Asia and Social Weather Stations. - RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Iglesia ni Cristo for Noynoy Aquino
Noynoy on INC's nod: Nothing asked, nothing promised
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 05/05/2010 4:26 PM | Updated as of 05/05/2010 4:28 PM
MANILA, Philippines - Presidential front runner Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III on Wednesday said the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) did not seek anything in exchange for the powerful religious group's endorsement of the Liberal Party tandem.
In a press conference, Aquino said INC leader Eduardo Manalo did not ask him for anything, and neither did he offer anything in return for the INC's support.
The LP's Roxas told ABS-CBN's Umagang Kay Ganda in a phone interview that he had been informed by Manalo of the INC leadership's decision ahead of the official announcement.
"Nag-usap po kami ilang araw ang nakalipas. Si Ka Eduardo po ay nagpaabot ng impormasyon na iyon ang napagpasyahan ng Iglesia ni Cristo (We talked several days ago. Ka Eduardo informed us about this decision)," the senator said.
Aside from Aquino, the INC also ordered its members to vote for 4 LP senatorial candidates:
* former Sen. Franklin Drilon
* former Sen. Ralph Recto
* Muntinlupa Rep. Rozzano "Ruffy" Biazon
* Bukidnon Rep. Teofisto "TG" Guingona.
In response to the INC's endorsement of the LP tandem, the Nacionalista Party (NP) said it continues to "lead the ground battle at the grassroots level," and that "we are confident of the days that lie ahead."
NP presidential candidate Sen. Manny Villar has lost support and momentum in the run up to Election Day based on latest surveys of Pulse Asia, Social Weather Stations, and Manila Standard Today. He and former President Joseph Estrada were tied for 2nd place in the April 23-25 survey of Pulse Asia. (Click here for story.)
In a statement, the NP said its "relationship with Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), cultivated over years of trust, friendship, and cooperation, nor our party's commitment to the nation, diminished or wavered with the INC's endorsement of other candidates."
Three of the NP's senatorial candidates--Sen. Pia Cayetano, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.--were endorsed by the INC.
Lakas-Kampi disappointed
Meanwhile, the administration Lakas-KAMPI-CMD expressed mixed emotions over the INC's endorsements.
In a press conference in Malacañang, Presidential Political Affairs Adviser Prospero Pichay, who is also party campaign manager for its senatorial ticket, said they are disappointed that the INC did not endorse its standard-bearer Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro.
“Well I haven't talked to Gibo, but everyone who hasn’t been chosen will be disappointed. I will not deny he [Gibo] was disappointed, but yes, definitely, it's a big bloc, but it will not affect us. Nandiyan ang resolve ng supporters ni Gibo to go all out," he said.
However, Pichay said they respect the decision of the group.
The INC endorsed 2 Lakas-Kampi-CMD senatorial bets--front runner Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla, and Sen. Manuel "Lito" Lapid.
Pichay said that just because the INC endorsed the standard-bearers of the Liberal Party doesn't mean they are guaranteed of victory.
"Di porket ganun, sigurado nang panalo ang LP. There were cases where they gave their endorsement, di naman panalo," Pichay said.
He said many voters can still change their minds.
"The question as to whether maganda pa ang chances ni Gibo. I think, right now, maraming sumusuporta kay Gibo. A lot of people are changing their minds, medyo gumaganda ang chances ni Gibo in the last 2 minutes,” he said.
Pichay said endorsements matter if it’s a close race.
At least 1.5 million INC votes
Manalo announced the names of the candidates through a "palibot liham" distributed during Wednesday's worship service at the INC central temple in Quezon City. (Click here for story.)
The support of the religious group is courted by many candidates, both national and local, since the INC votes as a bloc. The practice is rooted in the INC's belief in the principle of unity.
INC voters account for around 3% of the electorate or between 1.5 million to 2 million votes.
The INC previously endorsed the candidacies of Joseph Estrada and Gloria Arroyo in the 1998 and 2004 presidential elections, respectively.
In a close election, such as the 2004 race between President Arroyo and actor Fernando Poe Jr., INC's support can spell the difference between victory and defeat.
Many local politicians who need the support of the INC also often support the presidential candidate chosen by the INC leader. -- reports from RG Cruz, Ces Drilon, ABS-CBN News
Source
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 05/05/2010 4:26 PM | Updated as of 05/05/2010 4:28 PM
MANILA, Philippines - Presidential front runner Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III on Wednesday said the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) did not seek anything in exchange for the powerful religious group's endorsement of the Liberal Party tandem.
In a press conference, Aquino said INC leader Eduardo Manalo did not ask him for anything, and neither did he offer anything in return for the INC's support.
The LP's Roxas told ABS-CBN's Umagang Kay Ganda in a phone interview that he had been informed by Manalo of the INC leadership's decision ahead of the official announcement.
"Nag-usap po kami ilang araw ang nakalipas. Si Ka Eduardo po ay nagpaabot ng impormasyon na iyon ang napagpasyahan ng Iglesia ni Cristo (We talked several days ago. Ka Eduardo informed us about this decision)," the senator said.
Aside from Aquino, the INC also ordered its members to vote for 4 LP senatorial candidates:
* former Sen. Franklin Drilon
* former Sen. Ralph Recto
* Muntinlupa Rep. Rozzano "Ruffy" Biazon
* Bukidnon Rep. Teofisto "TG" Guingona.
In response to the INC's endorsement of the LP tandem, the Nacionalista Party (NP) said it continues to "lead the ground battle at the grassroots level," and that "we are confident of the days that lie ahead."
NP presidential candidate Sen. Manny Villar has lost support and momentum in the run up to Election Day based on latest surveys of Pulse Asia, Social Weather Stations, and Manila Standard Today. He and former President Joseph Estrada were tied for 2nd place in the April 23-25 survey of Pulse Asia. (Click here for story.)
In a statement, the NP said its "relationship with Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), cultivated over years of trust, friendship, and cooperation, nor our party's commitment to the nation, diminished or wavered with the INC's endorsement of other candidates."
Three of the NP's senatorial candidates--Sen. Pia Cayetano, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.--were endorsed by the INC.
Lakas-Kampi disappointed
Meanwhile, the administration Lakas-KAMPI-CMD expressed mixed emotions over the INC's endorsements.
In a press conference in Malacañang, Presidential Political Affairs Adviser Prospero Pichay, who is also party campaign manager for its senatorial ticket, said they are disappointed that the INC did not endorse its standard-bearer Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro.
“Well I haven't talked to Gibo, but everyone who hasn’t been chosen will be disappointed. I will not deny he [Gibo] was disappointed, but yes, definitely, it's a big bloc, but it will not affect us. Nandiyan ang resolve ng supporters ni Gibo to go all out," he said.
However, Pichay said they respect the decision of the group.
The INC endorsed 2 Lakas-Kampi-CMD senatorial bets--front runner Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla, and Sen. Manuel "Lito" Lapid.
Pichay said that just because the INC endorsed the standard-bearers of the Liberal Party doesn't mean they are guaranteed of victory.
"Di porket ganun, sigurado nang panalo ang LP. There were cases where they gave their endorsement, di naman panalo," Pichay said.
He said many voters can still change their minds.
"The question as to whether maganda pa ang chances ni Gibo. I think, right now, maraming sumusuporta kay Gibo. A lot of people are changing their minds, medyo gumaganda ang chances ni Gibo in the last 2 minutes,” he said.
Pichay said endorsements matter if it’s a close race.
At least 1.5 million INC votes
Manalo announced the names of the candidates through a "palibot liham" distributed during Wednesday's worship service at the INC central temple in Quezon City. (Click here for story.)
The support of the religious group is courted by many candidates, both national and local, since the INC votes as a bloc. The practice is rooted in the INC's belief in the principle of unity.
INC voters account for around 3% of the electorate or between 1.5 million to 2 million votes.
The INC previously endorsed the candidacies of Joseph Estrada and Gloria Arroyo in the 1998 and 2004 presidential elections, respectively.
In a close election, such as the 2004 race between President Arroyo and actor Fernando Poe Jr., INC's support can spell the difference between victory and defeat.
Many local politicians who need the support of the INC also often support the presidential candidate chosen by the INC leader. -- reports from RG Cruz, Ces Drilon, ABS-CBN News
Source
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