Malacañang has accepted the outcome of the presidential elections showing a looming landslide victory of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, saying it hopes the incoming leader to continue the “Daang Matuwid.”
“Our people have spoken and their verdict is accepted and respected,” Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.
Coloma noted that the path of good governance has already been established as Duterte and other presidential candidates vowed to fight corruption and promote inclusive growth during the campaign.
“Daang Matuwid may be called different names, but its purpose and spirit will have lasting impact, and continue to shape the consciousness of our people and those that serve them in accordance with the principles of good governance and responsible citizenship,” Coloma added.
Duterte, the 71-year-old mayor prone to profanity-laced speeches on the campaign trail, is headed for a massive victory based on a strong law and order platform. As of Tuesday, he has an insurmountable lead of more than 5 million over his close rival, Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas.
Duterte’s victory comes even after President Aquino’s harsh warnings of his supposed dictatorial tendency that may bring ruin to the country. At one point, Aquino even compared Hitler’s rise in Nazi Germany to the prospect of Duterte’s presidency in the country.
President Aquino, meantime, reportedly monitored the partial and unofficial count of the presidential and vice presidential elections at his Bahay Pangarap residence last Monday night.
Despite the defeat of Roxas, Aquino felt relieved by his anointed one’s strong showing in the elections as well as vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo’s fighting chance in the VP polls, a source said.
Coloma earlier said the Aquino administration is also prepared for the smooth transition of power to the next government.