SORSOGON CITY, Philippines – Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero conceded his vice presidential bid on Tuesday, May 10.

As results started coming in past 5 pm election day, May 9, Escudero placed 4th instead of 3rd, as last preferential polls suggested. At 3rd place is Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, the running mate of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte – the presumptive winner of the 2016 presidential elections.

Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr and Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo are in a tight race to the vice presidency, with Leni Robredo leading with over 49,000 votes as of 5:39 am Tuesday (with 88.57% precincts reporting).

Escudero congratulated Rodrigo Duterte, who is way ahead in the presidential race, and said he will accept the winner in the vice presidential race but hoped it will be the one from Bicol.

“Tinatanggap ko nang may buong pagpapakumbaba ang resulta ng halalan. Binabati ko si Mayor Duterte sa kanyang panalo, at sa nagdidikitang laban sa ikalawang pangulo, binabati ko kung sino man ang mananaig sa dulo pero siyempre mas ninanais kong kababayan ko na kung may mananalo,” Escudero said in Filipino during a Tuesday press conference at his residence in Barangay Buhatan, Sorsogon City. He voted on Monday in nearby Buhatan Elementary School. (VLOG: Escudero calls on Filipinos to ensure clean elections)

Escudero must be referring to vice presidential bet Leni Robredo, who has a slight lead over Ferdinand Marcos Jr in the latest election results.

Escudero’s running mate Senator Grace Poe conceded to Duterte on Monday night. – Rappler.com 

Check Rappler’s live election results page.