Aquino poised to win Philippine presidential polls

MANILA - Liberal Party leader Senator Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III is poised to become the next president of the Philippines after Philippine Nacionalista Party standard bearer Manuel Villar Jr. conceded defeat on Tuesday.

“It was a fight well fought. My fellowmen, the Filipino people have already decided. It’s now clear that despite our efforts, we were not blessed to win on Monday’s elections,” The Telegraph quoted Villar as telling a news conference in Metro Manila.

“I congratulate Senator Noynoy Aquino on his victory. The challenges he and our country faces are enormous and we should all work together,” Villar added.

Aquino is leading the presidential race with 12.3 million votes followed by former Philippine president Joseph Estrada who garnered 7.75 million votes, an unofficial canvass of Philippines’ Commission on Elections showed.

Villar was far third with 4.33 million votes. (ANI)