Only small talk seen in limo ride

MANILA, Philippines - Two leaders in the same place at the same time – but they will probably just talk about the weather.

Nothing substantial is expected to be discussed between outgoing President Arroyo and president-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III during their brief limousine ride together to the Quirino Grandstand on June 30.

“While the President is gracious, she’s also a formal person and the statement of the incoming leadership is clear that he’s not seeking any advice. And that desire is clear so there’s no reason why President Arroyo would insist on giving advice because it is not sought, not expected and not welcome,” deputy presidential spokesman Gary Olivar told government-run dzRB.

Shortly before his oath taking as the 15th president of the Republic at noon, Aquino will fetch Mrs. Arroyo from the foyer of the Malacañang Palace and both will board the black presidential limousine to the Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park where the inaugural rites will be held.

The ride is expected to take less than 10 minutes and after bringing Aquino to the inaugural site, Mrs. Arroyo will proceed to Pampanga where she will take her oath as congresswoman.

The outgoing president is expected to stay for only 10 minutes at the venue of the inauguration before the formal oath taking of the newly elected president.

The last time the two met briefly was during the wake of the late President Corazon Aquino in August last year.

Olivar said he does not expect Mrs. Arroyo to be uncomfortable during the ride with Aquino, one of her strongest critics who has vowed to prosecute her for her alleged corruption and human rights violations.

“Whatever the two feel while together inside the limousine is not important, especially on the part of President Arroyo. It does not matter what she feels. What’s important is how she treats him and how she sees herself,” he said.

Palace officials have repeatedly maintained that the exiting leader will be exonerated by criminal charges expected to be filed against her by the new government.

“It was unlikely that the matter of prosecution would be discussed by the two leaders,” Olivar said.

Mrs. Arroyo is expected to convene her last Cabinet meeting this afternoon but there was no word yet on what could be the agenda, officials said.

Members of her Cabinet will accompany her to Pampanga to witness her oath taking as congresswoman.