Marcos sets pace of governance, defines critical areas to prioritize
Presumptive President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. vowed to hit the ground running in addressing the pressing concerns of the country: economy, livelihood, education and infrastructure.
Marcos, at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, then showed his gratitude to his supporters by holding up a placard showing his total votes so far in the partial and unofficial tally.
AFP with BBM Media Bureau
Marcos said he maintained his executive committee that managed his 90-day campaign to screen and evaluate people who will be appointed to various positions under his administration.
“My intention is to hit the ground running. We must be ready. So we’re already talking about appointments as I’m sure I can imagine the economic managers are going to be critical for the next several years because of the pandemic and economic crisis. That’s something we are looking at very carefully,” Marcos said.
“I am also guided by critical areas that we talked about during the campaign. Of course, the economy, the crises – crisis in energy, lack of jobs, education and infrastructures. All these areas are going to be critical in the next few years,” he added.
Marcos said he will choose his appointees “guided by competence and willingness to work with the next administration.”
“We remove in our discussion immediately the political leanings…I am guided by the fact that 31 million of our compatriots have voted for unity. I am guided by that, in a sense, I will continue to work for a government, an administration, that caters to everyone,” he added.
Earlier in the day, his spokesman, Vic Rodriguez, said Marcos will be a leader “for all Filipinos.”
With the initial count almost complete, Marcos has secured over 56 percent of the vote and more than double the tally of his nearest rival, Vice President Leni Robredo.
“To the world, he says: Judge me not by my ancestors, but by my actions,” Rodriguez said in a statement.
“This is a victory for all Filipinos, and for democracy. To those who voted for Bongbong, and those who did not, it is his promise to be a President for all Filipinos. To seek common ground across political divides, and to work together to unite the nation,” he added.
Marcos arrived at his headquarters Wednesday and was greeted by a crush of supporters outside.
The crowd erupted in cheers when he grabbed a cardboard sign from a fan that read “Thank you 31 million,” referring to the number of votes he won.
“I am so happy, so overwhelmed,” said Joseph Bugayong, a 30-year-old gardener standing outside the headquarters.
“I saw him in person and even shook his hand. My wait was worth it.”
Marcos’s running mate Sara Duterte-Carpio, the daughter of the outgoing president, also won the vice presidency, which is elected separately, in a landslide.
Meanwhile, Rodriguez acknowledged with gratitude the concession of some presidential candidates as being “highly commendable and shows their quality statesmanship and genuine patriotism.”
“Indeed, the mode to drive forward without any delay right after the conclusion of this political exercise should be the case. As we all agree and recognize that the will of the people is law, we also recognize that we are facing inevitable challenges ahead as a nation,” he said.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Sen. Panfilo Lacson, labor leader Leody de Guzman, and Muslim businessman Faisal Mangondato have already conceded defeat.