Erap not yet conceding, son says, denying earlier reports

Despite reports that former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada is already conceding to presidential frontrunner Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, the deposed leader's son on Monday said his father is not yet admitting defeat. In a phone interview with GMANews.TV, Senate Pro-Tempore Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada said he is the only one authorized to speak on behalf of his father, who is currently in London, about the matter. "I am the only one instructed to read his statement. I don't know where you [reporters] got that," Jinggoy said, referring to a circulating statement which said Estrada has already conceded to Aquino. "I have not seen the statement that you have, so I cannot verify its authenticity," said Jinggoy, who added he would read Estrada's official statement before the Congress either on Tuesday or Wednesday. Asked whether his father was conceding, Jinggoy said, "I don't know." A portion of the statement released to reporters read, "Today, our people have spoken and I humbly accept and respect the verdict of the Filipino people... I sincerely bow to the will of our people with the firm belief that our democracy remains alive and strong today." The statement was published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, through its official website Inquirer.net, on Monday afternoon. Estrada's spokesperson, Margaux Salcedo, said the report contained "unauthorized" information. "Just spoke to Erap, he is NOT yet conceding, will wait for final canvass. Reporter quote unauthorized," Salcedo said on her Twitter account. Estrada's official Twitter account also said, "President Estrada will respect the results of the canvass but he has not yet conceded. Inquirer.net reporter quote [is] unauthorized, incorrect." - RJAB Jr/KBK, GMANews.TV