Noynoy ready to reconcile with political opponents

President-elect Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III is not closing his doors on reconciling with his political opponents and working with them in his administration. Aquino, who was proclaimed president-elect by Congress on Wednesday afternoon, said the election campaign had been "bruising" so he wants to put an end to the conflict and work together with others in the incoming administration. "Kung pwede tumigil na ang walang katuturang kilos na ganoon, tumungo tayo sa ikabubuti ng sambayanan, bakit di ko sila yayayain at bakit di ako makikipagtulungan sa lahat na sektor?" Aquino said at a press conference after his proclamation. (If we can end senseless actions and work for the nation's welfare, why shouldn't I invite them and why shouldn't I work with all sectors?) Aquino said he is thanking his closest rival for the presidency, former president Joseph Estrada, for finally conceding and expressing support for his administration. (See: Noynoy won't claim victory yet, but is looking for prospective Cabinet members) "Doon sa iba pang nag-concede at nag-alok ng tulong, malamang ita-tap natin ang kanilang experience at kakayahan tungo sa pagmamadali ng solusyon na kailangan ng sambayanan," he said. (As for the others who have conceded and offered to help, we'll probably tap their experience and ability to quickly come up with the solutions needed by our people.) Presidential candidates who have earlier conceded to Aquino are Senator Manuel Villar Jr., former Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., and Senator Richard Gordon. Aquino has previously said appointing Teodoro, his second cousin, to a government post was "possible." He said legally he could appoint Teodoro as the latter is a "fifth-degree relative." Under the law, the president cannot appoint relatives up to the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity. While he did not categorically dismiss reconciliation with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Aquino maintained that there has to be "closure" on many issues that hounded the Arroyo administration. "I have had a lot of promises in the campaign especially the idea of change. It cannot be business as usual. If we are going to just replace people like in a game of musical chairs I think I would have disappointed everybody who made this victory possible," said the president-elect. Aquino has previously said he would form a commission that would probe corruption issues that tainted the Arroyo administration. Aquino will be inaugurated June 30 at a still undecided venue in Metro Manila. - RJAB Jr./JV, GMANews.TV