The Art of Conceding: How accepting defeat can be a win
The 2025 midterm elections have ended, and COMELEC has already counted most of the votes. Most candidates can already sense if they’ve won—or prepare to concede if they have lost.
Losing always hurts, but losing an election can be an especially bitter pill to swallow. You spent millions (billions for some national candidates) on your campaign. You visited countless barangays, braving the summer heat and smiling through your exhaustion. You shared your vision in debates and media interviews, hoping to earn the voters' trust.
Despite all that sacrifice, you lost. How can you even force yourself to smile for the cameras and publicly concede to your political rival?
But therein lies the mettle of a politically mature candidate: to be able to face the public and handle any crisis, including defeat, with grace and poise.
The tradition of concession speeches
Conceding to your political opponent is not required by law. But in a democracy, it’s practically expected of you as a candidate. Concession speeches have become an important ritual in democratic transitions that give legitimacy to the electoral process, forge unity, and show grace.
Before the development of popular media, losing candidates would often write private letters to their winning opponent. These letters were rarely made public.
With the rise of broadcast media—first through radio, and then television—concession statements entered the public consciousness and became an expected gesture. In fact, it was often seen as a critical way to preserve the losing candidates’ public reputation and political future. Ironically, their “ability to lose today” was part of the “possibility of winning tomorrow.”
Several candidates in the 2025 midterm elections have conceded, including senators Cynthia Villar and Manila mayoral candidates Sam Verzosa and Honey Lacuna.
"Hindi ito paalam—ito ay pagpapatuloy ng ating pagmamahal at serbisyo sa bawat Las Piñero," Villar said in a statement after failing to get a congressional seat in Las Piñas.
"Buong kababaang loob nating tinatanggap ang kapasiyahan ng higit nakakarami sa atin. Maraming salamat sa pagbibigay ninyo ng pagkakataon na ako'y maging kauna-unahang babaeng punonglungsod sa kasaysayan ng Maynila," Lacuna said in a video message on May 13.
The art of conceding
Concession speeches or statements are nuanced pieces of communication and should be treated with probably even more thought than a victory speech. Here are some things candidates should remember:
Concede promptly, but responsibly. Prompt concessions show that you respect the rule of law, the democratic process, and the will of the electorate. Any delay can fuel misinformation or cast doubts on the results. It’s an aspiring public official’s responsibility to make the rule of law prevail.
But, of course, do this responsibly. You must have credible results that show a clear outcome. Results don’t have to be 100% verified; a statistically irreversible margin should be enough.
A great example of a premature concession was the Bush-Gore presidential election in 2000. Vice President Al Gore privately conceded defeat to George W. Bush but later withdrew his concession to dispute the election results. This move made Gore look bad.
"I accept the finality of the outcome," Gore said in a televised speech on December 13, 2000, weeks after legal battles over recounting votes in Florida. "And tonight, for the sake of our unity as a people and the strength of our democracy, I offer my concession."
Set the right emotional tone. The voting public expects much from candidates. They’re looking for statesmanship and sincerity. So, a concession statement leaves a lasting impression, and if done well, can be an excellent way to close the campaign.
Make sure that the tone of the statement is gracious, respectful, and with a desire to unify. This is not the time or place for bitter or defiant statements. Don’t blame anyone else or complain about how the campaign left you bloodied and bruised. You’ll be labeled as pikon, and instead of earning sympathy, your tirade may just become a funny meme.
Former VP Leni Robredo’s concession statement is a great example of graciousness despite a campaign marred by black propaganda against her.
"Habang lumilinaw ang litrato, kailangan din nating simulan tanggapoin na hindi ayon sa mga pangarap natin ang resulta ng eleskyon na ito," she said in a speech during a thanksgiving rally at the Ateneo de Manila University in May 13, 2022. "Kailangan natin tanggapin ang pasya ng mayorya. Nakikiusap ako sa inyo makiisa sa akin dito."
That night, she also announced the launch of Angat Buhay, a non-government organization that later became "the biggest volunteer network in Philippine history."
Craft a message that highlights the positive. Even a defeat can be framed in a positive light. In the last 24 hours, many candidates have given speeches that highlighted lessons learned, values instilled, and the goodwill they forged with the public.
Candidates can also focus on their cause, or the core values or platforms they highlighted in their campaign. It gives hope to supporters and leaves a more indelible mark on the candidate’s brand. They should also use the “we” language, to drive home inclusion and shared purpose.
Hillary Clinton’s 2016 concession speech talked about breaking barriers and encouraged young girls that leadership is a goal they can achieve.
“I want you to know that nothing has made me prouder than to be your champion,” she said. “And to all the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams.”
Protect the political capital. If the candidate ran an honest campaign with a clear platform, they earn “political capital.” They were able to show the public who they were as a person and a public official. People may now associate them with certain causes or have a clearer idea of their background.
A well-crafted, positive, and graceful concession speech helps protect this political capital for future elections or appointments. It shifts the tone from defeat to hope and shares the willingness to continue helping the people in whatever form or capacity.
Conceding isn’t just a speech done for formality. Done with dignity and authenticity, it can shape a candidate’s legacy, signal respect for the electorate, and help preserve public trust in the democratic process.