Defensor conceded last May 30 in order to ease the tension on the ground and dismiss any notion that there may be illegal acts committed to attain my victory as well as in recognition of the fact that it would take much for him to get into the so-called Magic 12. Defensor was No. 15 in the standings when he conceded.

“KALIPI lauds the decision of Secretary Mike to concede,” Coun. Lex Tupas, KALIPI National Vice President for Students, said. “It only shows that he places the integrity of the elections and the trust of the people over personal ambition.”

Defensor was widely regarded as one of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s favorite Cabinet officials, acting as one of her spokespersons and issue managers. Defensor, along with Ambassador to Greece Bobi Tiglao, were the two Liberal leaders in the Cabinet who remained loyal to the constitutionally mandated President after the 8 July 2005 debacle.

“Sec. Mike shows us that even in defeat there can be grace and honor. By conceding, he has done the noble and gallant thing and reduces the tension that comes after every electoral exercise where people who lost almost always claim that they were cheated rather than accept their loss,” Jan-Argy Tolentino, KALIPI National Secretary General, said.

“We hope that other candidates will follow Sec. Mike’s example. By accepting their defeat when it’s clear, candidates can prevent an escalation of tensions post-elections that could reduce of even hinder the economic gains of the country in the last few years,” Tolentino added.