President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday stressed the need to set aside politics now that the midterm elections are over and work together for a better Philippines.

Marcos made the call during the thanksgiving party at the Bagong Pilipinas’ headquarters in Mandaluyong City, following the proclamation of the 12 winning senators, half of whom ran under the administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas coalition.

“But now it’s time, I think, to put all the politics aside. It’s time to put all of the issues that were raised during the election and only talk about not political issues but developmental issues, healthcare issues, education issues, agricultural issues, supply issues, all of these things,” he said.

“Let’s let people know what we’re doing. Let’s let people know that we are going to continue to work hard now. And put the, as I said, politics aside,” Marcos added.

He hoped that the progress made under his watch would be sustained until the end of his term in 2028.

Marcos also sought the media’s help to keep the public informed about the policies and programs of his administration.

“Lagi natin binibilang ang araw na natira sa term ko. At kailangan matapos ang nasimulan natin (We keep on counting the days left in my term. And we need to finish what we have started),” he said.

“So, that’s what I will ask for you to help me with, in the coming three years. I know that you will once again, as you did before, do a very, very good job and make a success at whatever it is that we are trying to do. But once again, most importantly for tonight, I’d like to thank everyone,” Marcos added.

Incumbent Senators Pia Cayetano and Lito Lapid earned fresh six-year terms and will be joined by Alyansa teammates Erwin Tulfo, Panfilo Lacson, Vicente Sotto III and Camille Villar.

The other six winners are incumbent Senators Christopher Go, who emerged topnotcher, Ronald Dela Rosa and presidential sister Imee Marcos; and Rodante Marcoleta, Bam Aquino and Francis Pangilinan. (PNA)