Noynoy, LP assail proclamation delay
By Aurea Calica (The Philippine Star) Updated May 22, 2010 12:00 AM
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MANILA, Philippines - Presidential frontrunner Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III assailed yesterday Speaker
Prospero Nograles for announcing that the next president and vice president would be proclaimed on or
before high noon of June 30.
Speaking to reporters, Aquino expressed fears that Nograles’ statement would lead to speculation and
anxiety among the people.
“Offhand, I think it is not right for the Speaker to say that it would take until June 30 and with the ‘on or before
noon’ (quote) to have a proclamation,” he said.
Aquino said government leaders have the obligation to promote stability in the country’s leadership.
“I hope (that the statement) will be reviewed,” he said.
Aquino urged Congress to ensure that the canvassing of votes for president and vice president would be
speedy without sacrificing credibility.
It was fine to look into all allegations of cheating and irregularities but there should be ample basis and
evidence, he added.
Aquino said it was the obligation of people alleging fraud in the last elections to prove their charges.
It should not be a reason for Filipinos to worry that the proclamation of winners in the races for president and
vice president would be delayed, he added.
Aquino said it was unfair to say he benefited from alleged cheating in the last elections as some were trying
to impute.
He was actually put at a disadvantage after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) retained the name of a
disqualified candidate before his name in the ballot, he added.
Aquino said he would follow the advice of his lawyers that they depend on the provincial certificates of
canvass (COCs) rather than the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines to ensure that the votes were
properly transmitted and counted.
He recalled that he had been a victim of a failed PCOS machine, as a result of which he had to stay in line for
over four hours before he could cast his vote in his precinct in Tarlac. He noted that there were supposed to
have been reserve machines, but not one of them seemed to have been in Tarlac.
Aquino said some people are making various allegations to slow down the congressional canvassing and
proclamation of the winning president and vice-president.
Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and other legal experts believe that the issue concerning electoral fraud
should be brought before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, he added.
Warring factions
Aquino said he had put his foot down on “warring factions” within his camp.
He reminded them that they work for the country, not for anything else, he added.
Aquino said members of his Cabinet would be the “best and the brightest.” “Very new faces, very young and
also old,” he said.
He refused to confirm or deny that he had chosen Jojo Ochoa, his long time legal counsel, as executive
secretary.
Aquino said his search committee would also review midnight appointments of the Arroyo administration.
“Under the Constitution, temporary appointments could be reviewed within 90 days,” he added.
Aquino said his group was not monolithic and there were many clashing ideologies to consider.
He said many different priorities will surface – some on ecology, others on police and military reform, as well
as judiciary reforms.
Aquino said he was not considering anyone from “The Firm” or the group of lawyers identified with President
Arroyo for any government position at the moment.
“Not that I have anything against them,” he added.
Aquino said he does not have any obligation to heed any of Malacañang’s advice on how to run the
government.
He would eliminate government positions that are not significant, he added.
His youngest sister, Kris Aquino-Yap, would not act as his first lady, Aquino said.
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