Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

In August 2009, he was merely a bachelor Senator grieving his mother¹s death. After a few months, he found himself at the crossroads of history and in the midst of various sectors of society clamoring for him to run for president. While harsh words have been hurled against him, such as his alleged lackluster performance as a legislator, among others, people seemed to have found an enduring symbol in his quest to end corruption and consequently bring change.

His myth was very simple: he vowed to be the complete opposite of the sitting president, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who suffers unpopular ratings in almost, if not, all national polls. The pre-election polls foretold what had been produced by the very first national automated elections in the country.

By the evening of the May 11, in the official electronic tallies of both the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), which both had tallied at least 75% of the certificates of canvass, Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" C. Aquino III was the apparent runaway winner, garnering at least a 5-million margin from his closest rival, deposed President Joseph Estrada. Even while congress was yet to convene that time too formally become the national board of canvassers, several of his rivals, led by his closest survey competitor, Sen. Manuel Villar, conceded.

June 9 marked the new beginning that many Filipinos have long been waiting for. A lot of people from all walks of life were present at the session hall of the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City to witness the proclamation of President-elect Aquino and Vice President-elect Jejomar "Jojo" Binay. The proclamation, which followed the usual legislative process, was all yellow. The supporters of Aquino and Binay were chanting "Noynoy" and "Binay." Later, all the people united while they cheered "Noybi" altogether.

President Joseph Estrada, who placed second in the final congressional tally accepted his defeat. In a statement read by his son, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada during his privilege speech on proclamation day he said, "The former president joins our people in extending unqualified support to the new President with both hope and prayers he will serve our country faithfully and will perform his duties honorably without fear or favor."

Present to support the president were his sisters Pinky Aquino-Abellada, Viel Aquino-Dee, Balsy Aquino-Cruz, and Kris Aquino with husband James Yap. Also present was the president’s girlfriend Shalani Soledad.

Celebrities Dingdong Dantes, Ogie Alcasid, and Boy Abunda witnessed the event. ABS-CBN President and Chief Operating Officer Charo Santos-Concio and Preview Fashion Editor Liz Uy, the president¹s stylist, were also among the crowd.

Meanwhile, Dra. Elenita Binay, wife of the vice president attended the proclamation rites with their children and grandchildren. Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Caloocan City Mayor Enrico Recom Echiverri also attended the proclamation rites to show their support for the new administration.