What's your advice to President-elect Noynoy Aquino?

President-elect Noynoy Aquino’s success will be our success. It’s time to work together, give him all the support and our prayers, because the task ahead of him is not an easy one. Having worked for his mom during her term as president, I would often bump into Noy. It never crossed my mind back then that he would one day become president of our country, too. Having seen and known Noy then gives me comfort and hope that our country is in good hands, with a leader who will lead us to the great future we truly deserve.

Rep. Liza L. Maza, Gabriela Women’s Party

President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III must not forget the promises he made, on top of which was to investigate the corruption issues against President Arroyo and her cohorts. The “Kung Walang Korap, Walang Mahirap” line he popularized is not enough, however, to end the poverty and hunger crippling the Filipinos. He has to immediately implement relief measures such as imposing a moratorium on price hikes and scrapping the RVAT law, distribute Hacienda Luisita lands as a clear policy statement to break the land monopoly problem in our country, and review the Visiting Forces Agreement. As a commitment to human rights, the Morong 43 should be released and the perpetrators of human rights violations should be brought to justice.

San Rafael, Bulacan Mayor-elect Lorna Silverio

The task of the presidency is enormous, to say the least. I would advise Noynoy to do two things: One, start by being a healing president. Take care not to inflame further the passions aroused by the past election’s hysteria. Unite the country under his leadership by accentuating the positives. Two, buckle down and prioritize the more important steps to address job creation and poverty. Sustain economic growth by stimulating investments and business activity. Inspire all, including the least of his constituents, to do their share in building the nation.

Katrina Holigores, writer

My advice to Noy would be to appoint government officials based on merit and achievements with a community in mind and not just self-promotion that relatives and celebrity figures are not always the best choice although there are rare exceptions. It would also be best to work with those with a long-term vision and have a plan that is sustainable even after they’re gone.

Gang Badoy, executive director, RockEd Phils., founder and administrator, Dear Noynoy FB page

Don’t go though big personal changes yet, so take your time on quitting smoking. It’s a good goal to have but it’s not my premise for good governance. I’ve heard of corrupt officials who don’t smoke, you know. So take your time, Mr. President, do what you have to do eventually.

Atty. Marivic Guingona, wife of Senator-elect TG Guingona

Now that Noynoy Aquino has been proclaimed as the new President and sharing the wish and hope of every Filipino that he succeed, I would like to pass on to President Noy the guiding principles I learned from my father Ramon T. Garcia. When worried and confronted with a problem, just practice the 3Ps — prayer, patience, and perseverance.

Mother Mary John Mananzan, OSB, prioress, Missionary Benedictine Sisters, St. Scholastica’s Priory

I don’t want to give any advice to him anymore because ang dami nang nagbibigay ng advice but I just want to assure him that I started a prayer brigade for him but also a citizen’s watch for good governance.

Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez

My advice to President-elect Noynoy: Whatever your instincts tell you, go for it! Just follow your heart.

Atty. Trixie Cruz Angeles, former NCCA Commissioner for Cultural Heritage

Pinoys’ tendency to be forgiving also allows the rape and pillage of our land. I would strongly suggest that the former occupant of Malacañang be prosecuted for her crimes against the people. I also strongly urge the creation of a Truth Commission to find out how she managed to ascend to power through the manipulation of the political system. Thus, I suggest that there be two Truth Commissions, the first to find out what really happened in 2001 and the second, to find out the events behind Hello Garci in 2004. I also strongly urge the promulgation of popularization of Philippine culture. Our constitution says that this is what creates national identity. And we know that it is national identity that creates a sense of nationhood. Finally, I strongly suggest that Capt. Nick Faeldon be allowed to come in from the cold. He has made enough sacrifices for the country.