Poised to lose senatorial bid, Revilla says it’s time for unity

MANILA, Philippines — As he is poised to lose his reelection bid as senator, outgoing Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. on Tuesday expressed hope that the country will finally unite under its flag now that the elections are over.

In a statement, Revilla admitted that he did not expect to lose his bid for reelection. However, he said that his heart still “overflows” with gratitude for his supporters.

READ: 2025 Philippine Election Results: Partial and Unofficial Tally

“Mula nang ako’y pumalaot sa paglilingkod-bayan 30 years ago, lagi kong sinasabi na ang pulitika ay dapat 90 days lang sa nasyunal at 45 days lang sa lokal,” he said.

(Since I ventured into public service 30 years ago, I have always said that politics should only last 90 days at the national level and 45 days at the local level.)

“Nawa, ngayong tapos na ang panahong ito, makita natin sa ating mga sarili na muling magkaisa sa ilalim ng iisa nating bandila,” he added.

(Now that this period has ended, may we all see in ourselves the will to unite once again under our one and only flag.)

He then said he will not forget the smiles and trust he received during his campaigning, reiterating that to him, “public service is a privilege granted by the public and by the Lord.”

Based on the unofficial results and partial tally of the Commission on Elections as of 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Revilla placed 15th after receiving 11,788,471 votes, failing to join the “magic 12” or the 12 candidates with the highest number of votes to win a senatorial seat. /cb