Latest on Aquino's Ascendancy to Power

Ninoy Aquino has been proclaimed by the national canvassing board of the Philippines. This means that he is just waiting for the swearing-in and inauguration rites on June 30. His transition team has been working round-the-clock to pave the way for a smooth turn-over of power at noon of June 30. Also, it has been reported that the family of President Arroyo has moved out of the Palace much much earlier. This information was reportedly relayed by no less than the First Gentleman himself during a book launching of his two books. This should be met with a sigh of relief by the people. Indeed it can be said that there is really a smooth turn-over of power and responsibilities by an outgoing President to the incoming leader who won by a majority vote in the first automated polls in the country.
With regards to the issues of "midnight appointments", Aquino has shown a determination to review all appointments made at the last minute which appears to be in violation of the Constitution. Unsolicited advice has been piling up from all sources, including Malacanang, about what Aquino should do on urgent matters once he assumes power, but there is no telling whether Aquino will heed all of them or he has an agenda of his own. But it should be pointed out that the son of Cory Aquino is not daunted by the great tasks waiting for him once he takes over the helm of political power as the 15th President of the Philippines. During a press conference held after his proclamation by Congress, Noynoy Aquino revealed his plans once he is President. He did not mince words and never try to be fuzzy about hard questions thrown at him by the media. In effect, we are seeing a President-elect much prepared, very intelligent, and more than serious in solving the ills of the country.
The Filipino people should be assured day-to-day that the road to Aquino's inaguration and assumption to power will not be bumpy afterall. Even the issue of Delfin Bangit's term as chief of staff of the Armed Forces is coming to a quick conclusion, as the general has shown his desire to retire early knowing that he does not earn the nod of the incoming President to remain as AFP chief. Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales tried to criticize Aquino for allegedly conducting a "loyalty check" in the AFP, adding that soldiers and officers should not join in this exercise to divide the military. This is a shallow attempt of Gonzales to put a dent on the growing connection between the military and the incoming commander-in-chief. At any rate, the media did not pay much attention on this.
All in all, there seems to be nothing to worry about in the day-to-day happening regarding the fading out of the nine-year rule of President Arroyo and the birth of a new leadership born out of a solemn promise to eradicate corruption and poverty. The Filipino people remain hopeful that there will be a smooth transition of power and that worries and doubts about it should simply fade away.