Nuevo Zamboanga leader Monsi Crisanto dela Cruz, who conceded to his closest rival Mayor Celso Lobregat, applauds his running mate, District congressional candidate Eldy Gonzales, who declared he wont concede to rival, Beng Climaco. (HADER GLANG)MAYORALTY candidate Monsi Cris dela Cruz yesterday conceded the local election to his closest rival Mayor Celso Lobregat in what political observers described as an act of "sportsmanship and supreme sacrifice."
But his running-mate, District I congressional candidate Eldigario Gonzales strongly voiced out his dismay over his political rivals, saying that he will not concede to the cheaters.
"I will start by saying I have no regret, but I'm not going to concede to the cheaters who destroyed the political processes here. I shall remain a critic to guide our people," Gonzales lamented.
Vice mayoralty candidate Vic Solis said that from all indications it appears that Mannix Dalipe is a highly popular politician to win for the office of vice mayor.
"I accept the decision of the electorates of the city of Zamboanga and extend my congratulations and felicitations to the incoming vice mayor," Solis said.
Dela Cruz personally called up Lobregat through mobile phone and congratulated him. He told the mayor that he will be praying for him and wished the latter the best of health and success.
At a press conference attended by Gonzales, Susan Delos Reyes and Solis, other partymates and supporters, the former priest said that in a democratic society there is always a winner and a loser.
"Today, I humbly extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mayor Celso. It's time to move forward and humbly ask all of you to join hands in making Zamboanga a better place," dela Cruz said in a statement.
He said he is man enough and he does not want to be waiting for 15 days considering that the people knew what happened during the elections. "Even if I lost in the votes I shall continue to work with friends along the way."
He thanked his three brothers, sister-in-law, running mates, campaign managers, Muslim friends, pastors, labor groups, tricycle drivers and other supporters, calling them the source of his strength and inspiration.
He also thanked his fellow priests in the archdiocese in Zamboanga City, who have supported him, even as he expressed his love and forgiveness to the few priests who have disagreed with him and have done something against him.
"I salute you for your courage and love. Thank you for your support and solidarity. I feel that you've worked so hard and have given your best despite limited resources. To all of you goes my lifetime gratitude and assurance of my prayer."
Affirming his continued help to the landless poor and less privileged, he said he wholeheartedly forgave all those who have maligned him and his good name, "assuring them of the sincerity that comes from my wounded but loving heart."
"With courage, I say I love you all. You may have tried to destroy me but I will not destroy anyone, or to destroy you, will be to destroy my self. God bless Zamboanga City and alt of you. Be a friend. Remember that I love you all. Fear not; be strong, be brave for God's grace is constant and always overflowing," he concluded.
Meanwhile, Gonzales urged the people Zamboanga to continue with their vision for change and to go the street to demonstrate their feelings for what they stand for.
"While I forgive, I can't concede as I assure you, we will continue to fight what is best for our city," Gonzales said.
For her part Delos Reyes, District II congressional candidate, said: "I apologize to the people of this city, the electorates for the un-preparedness that we had as political candidates."
Delos Reyes said she accepted the fact that she lost in the election, but that will not stop her from continuing, not only the vision of Nuevo Zamboanga but the peoples' call for change in the leadership of Zamboanga City.
"Let this be a new beginning. We in Nuevo Zamboanga have an obligation to continue what we have started and to prepare for the next electoral process. Let's protect the politics in our city."
With 82 out of 98 city barangays already accounted for in the tabulation of the cast ballots done by NAMFREL Operation QUick Count, a clear trend for the winning local candidates has already been established.
In the mayoralty race, reelectionist city mayor Lobregat led closest rival Monsi Dela Cruz by over 32,000 votes as of 8:00 p.m. (Philippines time) Friday. For the vice mayoral post, Mannix Dalipe led over nearest rival Mila Velasquez by more than 23,700 votes.
For the congressional seats, it has been Beng Climaco leading all the way over Eldy Gonzales in their one-on-one showdown in the Representative District I. Reelectionist Erbie Fabian is likewise leading by wide margin in District II with 57,165 over Susan Delos Reyes with only 17,894.
The councilors who are making in the magic 16 for City Council seats of District I and District II are: Charlie Mariano, Jawo Jimenez, Jimmy Cabato, Melchor Sadain, Lynet Abarro, Rudy Lim, Gerky Valesco, Noning Biel, Asbi Edding, Kim Elago, Cesar Iturralde, Lilia Nuno, Elong Natividad, Nonong Guingona, Rey Candido, and Eddie Saavedra. (HG)
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