Magsaysay shows magnanimity in defeat

Former Sen. Ramon Magsaysay Jr. on Tuesday wished the 12 newly elected senators well, calling on them to stick to the highest standards of integrity, accountability and public service.

Magsaysay, one of the three administration candidates who failed to win in the May 13 senatorial election, also thanked those who supported him in his bid to return to the Senate after an absence of six years. He had previously served two consecutive terms that ran from 1995 to 2007.

“I congratulate the 12  men and women in whom our countrymen have placed their trust as senators of the republic. I wish them well as they take on their role as servant leaders,” said Magsaysay in a statement.

“I have high hopes that each of them will adhere to the highest standards of integrity, accountability and public service, which their critical office demands and the Filipino people deserve,” he added.

Magsaysay, 74, and the elder statesman in the administration’s Team PNoy coalition, said that he “did not lose, rather we gained from the opportunity to do what we thought was good for our country.”

“I sincerely thank everyone who helped in my campaign, whose faith, dynamism and generosity sustained me every step of the way,” he said.

He also thanked “the countless others who expressed support and confidence in me personally, through the mail and even electronically.”

“It is God’s will that I remain in private life, but I will continue to serve our country and people even as an ordinary citizen,” he said.

“Every smile, handshake and encouraging word was truly appreciated,” he added.