Noynoy won't claim victory yet, but is looking for prospective Cabinet members

(Updated 3:50 p.m.) TARLAC CITY — Liberal Party standard bearer Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III on Tuesday refrained from acknowledging what seems to be his impending victory in the May 10 presidential elections. Yet this early, Aquino admitted that he is on the lookout for prospective members of his Cabinet. "After the Comelec is done, it is still the Congress [which will] proclaim the victor. I don't want to claim victory prematurely," the 50-year-old Aquino said in a hastily-called press conference in Hacienda Luisita after his erstwhile closest rival Senator Manuel Villar Jr. conceded the race to him. [See: Manny Villar concedes, congratulates Noynoy] With more than two-thirds of the election returns counted, Aquino is emerging as the prospective winner of the 2010 presidential elections. [See: Noynoy Aquino widens lead in official Comelec tally] In a prepared statement, Aquino said, "It has been an honor to share this humbling experience with all of you as we begin to accept the responsibility of leading our nation of over 90 million Filipinos. However, our commitment to the integrity of this election was and remains that the vote of each and every Filipino be counted fairly and honestly. " Aquino said he continues to hope that his running mate, Senator Manuel "Mar" Roxas II, would be able to catch up with the leading vice presidential contender, Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay. "When the vote is complete there will be plenty of time for declarations. Our priority today is to make sure that every vote for Mar Roxas is counted fairly and honestly," Aquino said. Asked if he is prepared to work with Binay if the latter wins as vice president, Aquino said, "I guess you should ask Mayor Binay if he's prepared to work for me because I am chief executive." He maintained, however, that he would rather have Roxas as his vice president because their partnership is good and they have the same programs in mind. Cabinet to include Dinky, possibly Gibo Although he does not want to claim victory yet, Aquino said he is already looking for possible members of his Cabinet. Asked whether he is open to considering his rival for the presidency, former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr., for inclusion in his future Cabinet, Aquino replied: "That's possible." Aquino's mother, the late former president Corazon Aquino, is a cousin of Teodoro's mother Mercedes. "I did check, he (Teodoro) would not be subject to the law on appointing relatives up to the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity. He's a fifth degree relative," said Aquino. "Bukas po tayo kung gusto nya makipagpanayam, anytime po. Pinilit naman po nya na iiwan yung ating debate sa mataas na antas at yun po ay pinapasalamatan natin (We are open if he wants to talk with us anytime. He tried to keep the level of debate high, and we are thankful for that)," he said when asked if he has a message for his second cousin. In the event of an Aquino victory, he can only give a government position to Teodoro by May 11 next year, when the one-year prohibition for those who lose an election would have lapsed. Aquino said has already talked to former Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman if she would be willing to re-accept the post after June 30. Aquino said Soliman has agreed to his offer. Aquino also said he is trying to convince a Liberal Party member who is a lawyer--and not a candidate in the May elections--to be his executive secretary. Aquino, however, refused to disclose the identify of the LP member. - RSJ/RJAB Jr./YA, GMANews.TV