Manila, May 29 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Friday qualified candidates who lost in the 2025 elections may be appointed to government posts following the expiration of the one-year appointment ban on election candidates.

Speaking to reporters in Tokyo, Japan before returning to Manila, Marcos said many who ran in last year's polls are capable of serving in government, noting that their talent should not be wasted despite electoral defeat.

"Marami namang magagaling diyan (There are many capable ones). I'm not talking of just the senatorial candidates. Maraming iba na tumakbo for whatever position na sa palagay ko magagaling at makakapag-contribute sa pamahalaan (There are many others who ran for various positions who I thin...