Marcos to winners: Let’s move forward together

MANILA, Philippines, May 17 ------ With administration candidates unable to sweep the elections, President Marcos expressed his gratitude to all who took part in Monday’s midterm polls, and urged newly elected officials to “move forward together” to address the challenges facing the nation. Marcos reminded Filipinos that the elections are both “a celebration of continuity” and “a call to act on the real challenges our people face.” “Filipinos elected leaders who will listen and act – on inflation, on jobs, on corruption and on the everyday burdens they carry. These are issues we must face head-on,” the President said in a Facebook post. 

Marcos stressed that governance is a shared responsibility and a mission that requires unity and burden sharing for the common good. “To the newly elected, regardless of party or coalition, I extend my hand. Let us move forward together – with open minds and a common purpose,” he said. 

The President also shared a quote from his late father, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.: “If we are to prevail, we must prevail as Filipinos – for it is the only way to endure. If we are to attain our goals, we must march forward, not to the past but to the future. And we must do this as one family, a nation united.” At the same time, Marcos thanked those who voted for the senatorial candidates of the administration ticket Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas. 

Based on partial and unofficial election results, Alyansa candidates who entered the so-called Magic 12 were former social welfare secretary Erwin Tulfo, former senator Panfilo Lacson, former Senate president Vicente Sotto III, Sen. Pia Cayetano, Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar and Sen. Lito Lapid. Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., Makati Mayor Abby Binay, former interior and local government secretary Benhur Abalos, and former senator Manny Pacquiao were in the 14th, 15th, 16th and 18th spots, respectively. 

For his message to candidates who were not so fortunate, Marcos said their courage to stand for public service is deeply respected. He also noted that the Philippine democracy has once again renewed itself – peacefully, orderly and with dignity. “May God bless our leaders, our people and our beloved Philippines,” the President said. 

Source: philstar.com