Diplomatic corps formally welcomes P-Noy at vin d' honneur

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino wants to see stronger, mutually beneficial relationships between the Philippines and the international community during the next six years of his administration.

“Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a toast to the triumph of the Filipino people and to six years of hard work towards the genuine change we are all working for. Mabuhay,” he said during his first formal meeting with the diplomatic corps at Malacañang last night.

Papal Nuncio Joseph Edward Adams, dean of the diplomatic corps, responded by wishing “success in the next six years to you and the Filipino people.”

The reception was Mr. Aquino’s last official event for the day.

The wait for the President’s arrival at the Rizal Hall was longer than the time he spent at the reception, which was just a little over 20 minutes.

Several hundred guests from the diplomatic corps, the Cabinet, business leaders and other dignitaries graced the reception, the first formal event of Mr. Aquino at Malacañang.

East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta was present at the reception and was the lone dignitary mentioned by Mr. Aquino in his toast.

“Thank you all for your presence today,” Mr. Aquino said.

“It has added luster and of course more meaning in today’s transfer of power.

“We look forward to developing better, stronger and mutually beneficial relationships with the entire community. Thank you again for your presence.”

The reception was also attended by various members of Congress and local government officials, including Lakas-Kampi-CMD Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s close friend and deputy national security adviser Luis “Chavit” Singson.

UK, Australia congratulate Aquino

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and the Australian government congratulated yesterday President Aquino on his inauguration as the 15th president of the Republic.

British embassy charge d’affaires Colin Crorkin delivered the Queen’s message to Mr. Aquino.

“I send you my congratulations on your inauguration as President of the Republic of the Philippines,” read the message. 

“I look forward to continuing the close cooperation and warm relations between our two countries. I wish you and the people of the Philippines prosperity and every good fortune.”

The Australian government congratulated the President and Vice President Jejomar Binay on their inauguration.

Australia said it shares a warm and substantive bilateral relationship with the Philippines underpinned by close people to people links.

Australia looked forward to continuing to work closely with the Aquino government on the two countries’ broad range of shared interests, including in the areas of development assistance, defense and law enforcement cooperation, trade and investment, human rights and active engagement on regional and international issues.  – With Marvin Sy, Pia Lee-Brago, Rhodina Villanueva