Palace congratulates president-elect Marcos, VP-elect Sara

MANILA – Malacañang on Wednesday extended congratulations to president-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and vice president-elect Inday Sara Duterte following their proclamation based on the canvassing of votes by contingents from Congress sitting as the National Board of Canvassers.

“We congratulate Mr. Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and Ms. Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio on their electoral victory and for their proclamation as President-elect of the Philippines and Vice President-elect of the Philippines, respectively,” said acting presidential spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar in a press statement.

Andanar said the Congress’ proclamation ceremony underscores “a showcase and beacon of democracy in this part of the world.

He reiterated his call for the public to support the newly proclaimed leaders.

“As both leaders are about to embark on the responsibilities and challenges of their respective offices, we reiterate our call for our people to stand behind our newly elected leaders,” he added.

Andanar also assured that the office of outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte will ensure a peaceful, orderly and smooth transfer of powers to Marcos and extend all the support and assistance to various transition activities.

Congress declared Marcos, the son of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, the presidential poll winner on Wednesday after he amassed over 31.6 million votes in the official tally.

Sara, daughter of the outgoing President Duterte, was proclaimed vice president-elect with some 32.2 million votes.

The incoming administration brings together the two leading political dynasties of the Philippines.

The proclamation ceremony took place at the Batasang Pambansa, in the presence of members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

In an interview following his proclamation as the 17th president of the country, Marcos said he felt “humbled”.

“I am humbled because for anyone in public service or in a public life, the most valuable thing you may receive from a fellow citizen is their vote because embedded in that vote are their hopes and their aspirations for the future,” he said.

Marcos will be inaugurated on June 30.

Sara, meanwhile, eyes June 19 as her inauguration date in Davao City.