Arroyo to send own congratulatory greetings to Noynoy

Outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is expected to send her own congratulatory message to President-elect Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III even after Palace officials have sent their own greetings, a Malacañang official said. Arroyo, who is in China attending the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, will send her greetings to Aquino, Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza said but declined to give details. Before leaving for China, Arroyo said that she may come out with a paid ad congratulating the new president. “We congratulate our new president and vice president… In the last election, we demonstrated the political maturity and stability leading to this smooth transition and changing of the guards," Mendoza said in a briefing before the proclamation. "We wish the new government all the best, as we leave in their hands an economy in better shape than when we found it nine years ago," he added. Mendoza also praised institutions that ensured the success of the Philippines’ first automated elections, including the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the teachers who served as members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs). Members of the police and the military were also extolled by Mendoza, adding that the citizens themselves "turned out in numbers to make [Philippine] democracy more vibrant and vigorous." Presidential Spokesman Ricardo Saludo said in a separate statement that Aquino and Binay’s election is proof of the country’s "vibrant" democracy. Arroyo and her administration will help make the transition "smooth and orderly," Saludo said. “The President looks forward to working with President-elect Aquino and Vice President-elect Binay to ensure uninterrupted delivery of services to our people. President Arroyo calls 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 added. Similarly, President Arroyo’s adviser for political affairs Prospero Pichay said it is now time to “unite the country" instead of engaging in politicking. For her part, Presidential Management Office head Secretary Maria Elena Bautista-Horn said 90 percent of the transition reports from different government agencies are already complete and ready to be submitted to the new president. “In behalf of the transition team, I would also like to extend our congratulations to the incoming President and Vice President. We are at your service," she said. - RJAB Jr./JV, GMANews.TV