Noynoy prepares for swearing-in

MANILA, Philippines - Presidential frontrunner Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III admitted yesterday that he wants his proclamation over and done with so the country would finally be able to do away with the “threat” that there would be no peaceful turnover of power.

Aquino showed reporters the two barong Tagalog that designer JC Buendia made for him, including the piña abaca one with a white ribbon embroidered on the left that he has chosen. 

He said he is now open to a little makeover and would like a non-traditional inauguration in Metro Manila on June 30, which would include a “street party” to highlight the people’s campaign and the changes he would like to happen.

“We can fix the hair a bit,” Aquino conceded.

He said he was told to be ready for a possible proclamation yesterday but he might have to wait again for today or tomorrow.

He ruled out living in the Arlegui Mansion, saying it was too big and would make him feel “isolated.” 

He said he was considering staying at the Bahay Pangarap but there might be a problem with him living in a military facility, adding that the executive building inside Malacañang compound could also be an option.

Aquino also dismissed the possibility of holding his inauguration at the Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park in Manila.

“That’s tradition but we also want to emphasize the idea that we are going to change a lot of things. We are inclined (to hold it at) Quezon Memorial (Circle) but we are told there are very little facilities, no stage for instance,” he said, adding that he would like as many supporters as possible to be able to attend the celebration.

Mar on his mind

However, he said his proclamation did not mean that he was not supporting the questions of his running mate, Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II with regards to the results of the voting in some areas, especially since null votes reached 2.6 million in the hotly contested vice presidential race.

He was also informed that his nearest rival, former President Joseph Estrada Estrada, had conceded but it turned out the statement to be read by Estrada’s son, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, had not been released yet.

If it would happen, he said he would be grateful and that it would show Estrada “is a statesman.”

Aquino said Estrada had always shown his concern for him as a friend.

He said his proclamation would mean the start of his responsibilities but would also be a “relief in the sense that we would remove a source of threat” because until he is proclaimed, “it’s not the vice president who will replace (me)” but still President Arroyo.

He said he asked his sisters and their families to join him when he is proclaimed.

But he added that like Roxas, he also had questions on the null votes and the incomplete certificates of canvass that could have substantial effect on the vice presidential race.

Aquino said he had not yet spoken with Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay, who is currently leading in the vice presidential race, and was still hopeful that he would have division of labor with Roxas.

Asked if he would give Binay a Cabinet position, Aquino said “it depends” on their future talks because “he might want something I cannot give.”

Aquino said he also had questions on why the numbers he was supposed to get did not tally with what came out, despite observations that the polls were generally peaceful and that there was no solid proof of cheating.