MANILA - Malacañang Wednesday afternoon congratulated President-elect Benigno Aquino III and Vice President-elect Jejomar Binay and rallied the Filipinos to support them, hailing their election as proof of the country’s vibrant democracy.
“On behalf of President Macapagal-Arroyo, we warmly congratulate President-elect Benigno C. Aquino III and Vice President-elect Jejomar Binay,” Secretary Ricardo Saludo said on government TV an hour after the proclamation.
“Their election demonstrates that our democracy is vibrant, and our new electoral system is working for our people,” the deputy presidential spokesperson said.
Ms Arroyo, who flew to Shanghai Tuesday afternoon for a two-day official visit and is expected to be back early Thursday, would deliver her own separate congratulatory messages to Aquino and Binay.
“We don’t know yet,” Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza said when asked if Ms Arroyo would call Aquino to congratulate him. “She’s going to deliver her own message to the incoming President and Vice President.”
Saludo said Ms Arroyo and her government would take all steps to ensure a “smooth and orderly” transition to the new administration.
“The President looks forward to working with President-elect Aquino and Vice President-elect Binay to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of services to our people,” he said.
Saludo said Ms Arroyo was also calling on “all Filipinos to rally behind our new leaders as they assume the awesome responsibilities of their offices.”
“We stand with President-elect Aquino and Vice President-elect Binay in building unity and prosperity for all Filipinos,” he said.
Hours before their proclamation, Mendoza congratulated Aquino and Binay, even as Ms Arroyo’s political adviser Prospero Pichay called for reconciliation.
Mendoza said that Malacañang was relieved by the earlier than expected proclamation of the President-elect and the Vice President-elect.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
