Over half million attend Noynoy inaugural rites, police say

At 10 a.m. Wednesday, over 500,000 people flocked to the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the inauguration of President-elect Benigno Aquino III, police said. In an interview with GMANews.TV, National Capital Region Police Office head Director Roberto Rosales said "the area at the grandstand is not yet filled up. Later, the number [of people] might reach 700,000." Rosales added that so far, the situation remained "peaceful and orderly." Aquino was scheduled to arrive at the venue with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at 10:45 a.m., but they arrived earlier than scheduled. Among the VIPs already present were former Presidents Fidel V. Ramos and Joseph Estrada, Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos Horta, Papal Nuncio Edward Joseph Adams, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde. "I came to join with the Filipino people in celebrating democracy and freedom," said Ramos Horta. Aquino's girlfriend, Valenzuela City Councilor Shalani Soledad, was also present clad in a yellow Rajo Laurel terno. Also present were political personalities who supported Aquino during the campaign: Senators Francis Escudero and Francis Pangilinan, retired Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Batangas Governor Vilma Santos and her husband, incoming Senator Ralph Recto. Davide will head the Truth Commission that will probe unresolved corruption scandals, particularly those that occurred in the Arroyo administration. Celebrities also present at the inaugural were Lucy Torres-Gomez, incoming Leyte representative and her husband Richard Gomez; comediennes Pokwang and Ai-Ai Delas Alas; and KC Concepcion. "It's a very inspiring day...Masaya ako na I am part of this," said KC Concepcion, daughter of Pangilinan's wife, Sharon Cuneta. Jim Paredes and Mae Paner, also known as Juana Change, were hosting the pre-inauguration program. — Jam Sisante, Sophia Dedace and Kimberly Tan/LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV