Querubin admits defeat, vows to support new admin

Senatorial aspirant Ariel Querubin, a former military official detained for participating in an attempt to overthrow the Arroyo administration, virtually admitted defeat on Tuesday and vowed to support the new government. In a text message to reporters sent through his son Martin, Querubin congratulated Sen. Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III and Makati Jejomar Binay for what seems to be their impending victory in Monday’s automated elections. “Colonel Querubin is ready to support President Aquino, Vice President Binay and their new administration in this fresh chapter of our life as a nation," the text message read. As of Tuesday afternoon, both Aquino and Binay continued to lead over their respective rivals in both official and unofficial tallies. Querubin, who ran under the Manny Villar-led Nacionalista Party, also congratulated the senatorial candidates who made it to the top 12. A partial and unofficial tally by GMANews.TV shows the detained former military officer at 19th place. Villar, NP’s standard-bearer, had already conceded to Aquino. Querubin also thanked friends, supporters and “the close to six million brave Filipinos who fought this fight with him." “It will forever be an inspiration to Colonel Querubin and his family. We’d also like to thank Senator Manuel Villar, the NP, and the media for a job well done," his message read. Querubin, a decorated Marine officer, is facing mutiny charges in connection with a standoff at the Marine headquarters in Fort Bonifacio on February 26, 2006, two days after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared Proclamation No. 1017 putting the country under a state of emergency. Another detained military official, Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim. who ranks 17th in GMANews.TV's partial and unofficial tally, had also accepted defeat. - KBK, GMANews.TV