Corona designated Palace spokesman

Lawyer Renato Corona, chief of staff of newly installed President Arroyo, has been designated as temporary spokesman for the new administration.

Corona, who heads a so-called transition team for the Arroyo government, said he may also serve as temporary executive secretary once Quezon City Rep. Feliciano Belmonte files his candidacy for mayor next month.

"I’m not sure, but it was announced earlier that Congressman Sonny Belmonte will be executive secretary but the understanding was until he could file his candidacy," he said. "As to who is going to be the permanent executive secretary, I think President Arroyo has no decision yet."

Mrs. Arroyo will be leading the flag-raising ceremony this morning at Malacañang, her first official day as the country’s 14th President.

The former vice president took her oath as Chief Executive Saturday at the EDSA Shrine, two hours before a peaceful people power revolt forced former actor Joseph Estrada to abandon the presidency.

She is expected to issue her first executive order and name some new Cabinet officials today.

Mrs. Arroyo met yesterday with key advisers, supporters, party mates and possible candidates for Cabinet posts in Ortigas Center to map out plans for her administration.

Among those present in her meeting were senators Renato Cayetano, Loren Legarda, Raul Roco and Teofisto Guingona Jr., Finance Secretary-designate Alberto Romulo, Rep. Manuel Villar, former Defense Secretary Renato de Villa and other people who supported the so-called people power II revolt.

She also discussed Metro Manila’s garbage crisis with Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Jejomar Binay and met with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Administrator Felicito Payumo.

Meanwhile, a calm atmosphere pervaded Malacañang yesterday, with no sign of unrest which marked the past two days. Palace guards appeared relaxed while carpenters were busy making parking guides in preparation for today’s ceremonies.

Corona and members of the transition team met with outgoing Malacañang officials Saturday night and toured the Palace grounds and offices including the presidential residence.

"We took several hours, toured the facilities, grounds and the buildings. Fortunately, these are not new to me because I was there during the time of President (Fidel) Ramos," Corona said.

Corona mentioned some possible appointees to new Cabinet, namely Dinky Soliman, an official of the second Kongreso ng Mamamayang Pilipino (Kompil II), and Quezon City Rep. Mike Defensor as housing adviser.

However, he said Defensor remains non-committal.

Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado, for his part, said he may stay in his post until ordered to leave by the President.

Mercado is rumored to be planning to run anew for the Senate and he has until Feb. 12 to file his candidacy. He was one of the Cabinet officials who "withdrew" support from Mr. Estrada at the height of the people power II revolt last Friday.