Chinese president to send special representative to Noynoy's inauguration

MANILA, Philippines - Chinese President Hu Jintao will send a special representative to the inauguration of president-elect Benigno Aquino III and vice president-elect Jejomar Binay on June 30, the Chinese Embassy in Manila said yesterday.

At the invitation of the Philippine government, the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China Standing Committee Vice Chair Yan Junqi will head a Chinese delegation to attend the inauguration as Hu’s special envoy.

“It is expected that the visit by H.E. Yan would help maintain the sound momentum of high-level exchanges between China and the Philippines,” the embassy said.

“The visit would also contribute to ensure that China-Philippines strategic and cooperative relationship gets off to a good start under the new Philippine administration and continues to forge ahead.”

Yan, a native of Suzhou in Jiangsu Province, was the vice chair of Central Committee of CAPD, chair of Shanghai Municipal Committee of CAPD, and vice mayor of Shanghai municipality.

She also served as vice chair and executive vice chair of the Central Committee of CAPD.

P10 M for inauguration

Meanwhile, Malacañang has provided P10 million for the expenses to be incurred in the inauguration of Aquino.

Presidential Management Staff head Elena Bautista-Horn said the fund came from the Office of the President and about half of the amount has so far been spent.

“We are providing the funding for possible contingencies or unforeseen expenses that may arise in the inauguration,” Bautista-Horn told reporters.

She said the expenses so far were for logistics like the sound systems and lighting for the Quirino Grandstand, stage construction and invitations to the inauguration.

Two fountains will also be mounted on both sides of the stage where Aquino will take his oath, she said.

She said if the budget is not enough to cover additional expenses, President Arroyo is prepared to release more funds “to ensure a smooth and successful inauguration.”

Former President Joseph Estrada’s inauguration was considered to be among the most expensive at P25 million as it coincided with the nation’s celebration of the centennial of the country’s independence.

However, only P4 million was spent for Mrs. Arroyo’s inaugural rites in 2004 as no head of state was invited to attend, Bautista-Horn said.

Three heads of states have confirmed their attendance at Aquino’s inaugural, namely Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Timor Leste President Jose Ramos Horta, and Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, she said.

She said another head of state from a member-state of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations could also arrive for the inaugural rites.

Bautista-Horn said Aquino’s camp has asked the Presidential Transition Coordination Team, headed by Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza, to prepare 500 invitations for the vin d’ honneur or toast with the diplomatic corps at the Malacañang Ceremonial Hall after the inauguration.

She said members of the Internal House Affairs Office, or the Palace household staff, will remain at least for the vin d’ honneur.

Yesterday, Aquino’s incoming presidential spokesman, lawyer Edwin Lacierda, toured the New Executive Building, which houses Office of the Press Secretary, the offices of Mrs. Arroyo’s spokesperson, and the Malacañang Press Corps.

He was given a briefing by presidential spokesman Ricardo Saludo and deputy presidential spokespersons Gary Olivar and Charito Planas.

Grandstand reconstruction

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said the reconstruction of the Quirino Grandstand is now 70 percent complete for the inaugural rites.

“The important part is the center area where the ceremonies will be held and where important guests and dignitaries of President Aquino will be situated,” said DPWH Undersecretary Romeo Momo.

Momo explained that the critical part in the making of the grandstand was its canopy or overhang roof.

“Aside from being time consuming, the making of the canopy should also ensure its durability. As such, the contractor is using imported carbon fiber for this part of the grandstand, which is seven times stronger than steel.”

“This will be a historic event and we are proud to be part of it. The grandstand itself has historical and cultural significance in its own right.”

The inauguration team, the sisters and other relatives of Aquino joined Momo last week in an occular inspection of the Quirino Grandstand.

Momo said a P200-million budget was provided for the retrofitting or the reconstruction of the grandstand after a DPWH task force recommended it for closure following evaluation of infrastructures in Metro Manila and Luzon against earthquakes.

“It is also being reconstructed not just for the inauguration but for use by future governments and new generations of Filipinos because of the historical significance of the Quirino Grandstand as Independence Day parades, Labor Day rites and other celebrations of national importance are always held there,” he said.