Filipino-Americans to Attend Aquino Inauguration

Manhattan, NY- Filipino American supporters of President-apparent Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III held a mass at the San Lorenzo Chapel in New York yesterday. “This is a mass of thanksgiving because we have had a peaceful, clean election in the Philippines and the election of a working President Noynoy Aquino. Magpasalamat tayo sa Dios.” said community leader and Aquino supporter Loida Nicolas-Lewis.


Many expressed relief that the country’s first attempt at automated elections was largely successful.”We are happy that we had a smoothly executed automation,” said Reverend Joseph Marave, who celebrated the thanksgiving mass. “We are grateful because there is a line of acceptable new national officials, Thank God,” he added.

Filipino-American supporters plan to send a delegation to Aquino’s inauguration in Manila next month, and are seeking an audience with Aquino.

Supporters are still praying that Aquino’s running mate, Liberal Party (LP) vice-presidential bet Mar Roxas will defeat Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) rival Makati mayor Jejomar Binay. ABS-CBN news reports that the Philippine Commission on Elections has counted about 98 percent of the vote, with Binay leading Roxas by more than 700,000 votes. The LP believes Binay’s lead is surmountable. The PMP camp says Roxas will not be able to catch up.

During the thanksgiving mass, members of the U.S. Pinoys for NoyMar expressed their thoughts on what Aquino’s priorities should be. “Clean up our way of politics,” said Corazon Tamargo-Rivera. “(Fix) the peace and order situation and then secondly, the economy,” said Noel Gamboa. “Prioritize the educational system of our country.” said Linda Limcaco.