Ricciardone: Losing candidates must accept defeat

United States Ambassador to the Philippines Francis Ricciardone called on the losing candidates in the presidential and vice-presidential elections to accept defeat and give way for the proclamation of the winning president and vice-president.

In a video-teleconference held Tuesday at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Ricciardone said the U.S. government will wait for the official proclamation of President Arroyo and Sen. Noli de Castro as vice-president.

Ricciardone said Washington will send a delegation chosen by President Bush to attend the proclamation rites. He said high-ranking American officials will be part of the delegation.

Arroyo is set to assume a fresh six-year term after the joint congressional canvassing committee confirmed Sunday night her victory in the May 10 presidential elections.

The canvassing panel is expected to submit its report to the joint session of Congress Wednesday which will formally vote on it .