FROM Shanghai, China, President Arroyo called president-elect Benigno Aquino III to congratulate him on his proclamation on Wednesday.
The two are expected to interact once more on inauguration day when the outgoing and incoming presidents ride in one car, following tradition, just like in 1992 between incoming President Fidel Ramos and outgoing President Corazon Aquino, and in 1998, between President Ramos and incoming President Joseph Estrada.
Tradition and ceremony in the inaugural was the main topic in the first formal meeting of the transition teams of President Arroyo and President-elect Aquino.
The meeting was held last Thursday at the office of Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza. There were 6 representatives from the administration, and 4 from Aquino’s camp.
There is no final decision yet on the venue of the inaugural.
One possibility is the Quezon Memorial Circle. But the Palace raised the suitability of the venue, given the erratic weather.
After the inaugural parade, the President is set to return to the Palace for his first Cabinet meeting and Vin D’ Honneur. (PIA-Bohol)
