MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo will not hesitate to congratulate and call on Filipinos to support Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III once he is proclaimed by Congress as the country’s new president, her spokesman said yesterday.
Deputy presidential spokesman Rogelio Peyuan said the move would help lower the political temperature and signal the start of a peaceful transition and reconciliation.
“The President will surely do her rightful part and will definitely congratulate the winner immediately after the proclamation to be made by the national board of canvassers – that the country must expect,” Peyuan told a news briefing.
“I’m sure that’s going to be the first move of the President the moment she learns of the results of the national canvassing,” he said.
“I surmise the President will call on the entire nation to unite behind the new leadership,” he said.
He said Arroyo’s gesture is expected to help clear the political air and open the doors to reconciliation.
“Definitely that (reconciliation) would be the best thing that will happen to us,” he said.
“It would really matter for the entire nation hearing the sitting President extending her congratulatory words or messages to the winners of the elections,” Peyuan said.
Foreign diplomats, including new US Ambassador Harry Thomas, have already paid courtesy calls or sent congratulatory messages to Aquino even before his proclamation.