Arroyo wants to keep it simple

President Gloria Arroyo said she wanted a "simple and spartan-like" inauguration in Manila and Cebu, adding that funds received for the June 30 event should be channelled to pro-poor livelihood projects.

"It will be marked with austerity and simplicity, reflective of the spirit and sacrifice needed to meet the tough times facing our people," she said.

"I have requested that any money intended for grand festivities in Cebu be instead donated to pro-poor projects," she added.

Explaining why she does not want a festive celebration of her inauguration, Arroyo said, "We prepare for this day with the whole nation in mind, and to mark the sacrifice and heroism of all Filipinos here and around the world (the overseas Filipino workers)."

"It will be a day of the people who are the real winners in the elections. It will be a day for all freedom-loving nations that witnessed the triumph of democracy in the Philippines," she added.

"The President would like to begin her six-year mandate on this very simple and humble note," explained Ignacio Bunye, the presidential spokesman.

During her inauguration, the President will reiterate her call for unity and reconciliation among all sectors now that the elections are over, said Bunye, adding. "It is about time for the nation to move forward."

The inaugural day will be a continuing event in Manila and Cebu. She would deliver a brief speech at Manila's Luneta central park. Then she will fly to Cebu to take her oath before Chief Justice Hilario Davide, and deliver her inaugural address.

She and Vice President-elect Noli de Castro will host the traditional vin d'honneur for the diplomatic community in Cebu's Shangri-La Hotel.

Cerge Remonde of the inauguration committee said that Arroyo and de Castro are expected to fly to Davao City from Cebu.

Another source said that Arroyo will also visit Iloilo, another province in central Philippines which gave her a majority vote.

Noting the importance of Arroy's presidency, Bunye said it would be the first time, after 18 years, for an incumbent president to be elected. She will finish the term of former president Joseph Estrada on June 30.

It is also the first time that both the president and the vice president come from the same party, and majority of the senators and congressmen come from the ruling Lakas party. "This is a good start for our new President," Bunye said.

The Philippine National Police will deploy 3,000 policemen backed by military personnel to secure Cebu's provincial capitol where Arroyo will take her oath. A separate force of 2,000 policemen will secure Manila's Quirino Grandstand.

A joint congressional session proclaimed Arroyo and de Castro winners on Thursday. But pro-opposition legislators said that based on their own tabulation of certificates of canvass, Poe won over Arroyo by more than 500,000 votes, and Legarda, by 700,000 votes over de Castro.