Presidency of Benigno Aquino III

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Presidency of Benigno S. Aquino III[1][2][3]

15th President of the Philippines Incumbent Assumed office June 30, 2010 Vice President Jejomar Binay Preceded by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Personal details February 8, 1960 (age 51) Born Manila, Philippines Political party Liberal Party Benigno Aquino, Jr. (Father) Relations Corazon Aquino (Mother) Kristina Aquino-Yap (Youngest Sister) Alma mater Ateneo de Manila University Profession Politician Roman Catholicism Religion Official website Website Presidential styles of

Benigno S. Aquino III

Reference style Spoken style Alternative style His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III[3] President Aquino Mr. President

Aquino being proclaimed as the President-elect of the Philippines by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and House Speaker Prospero Nograles at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on June 9, 2010. The Presidency of Benigno S. Aquino III began at noon on June 30, 2010, when he became the fifteenth President of the Philippines, succeeding Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Aquino is the thirdyoungest person to be elected president, and the fourth-youngest president after Emilio Aguinaldo, Ramon Magsaysay and Ferdinand Marcos.[2] Aquino is the first president to be a bachelor, being unmarried and having no children.[2] Aquino is the second president not to drink alcoholic beverages; the first president not to drink alcohol was Emilio Aguinaldo.[2] Aquino is the eighth president to be a smoker.[2] Aquino is the first graduate of Ateneo de Manila University to become president.[2] Aquino is the third president who will only hold office in Malacaang Palace, but not be a resident, following Corazon Aquino and Fidel V. Ramos.[2] Aquino is the first president to make Bahay Pangarap his official residence.[4][5] Aquino is the third president to use his second given name, Simeon, as his middle initial, as Manuel L. Quezon and Jos P. Laurel did.[1][2][3] Aquino is the second president to be a child of a former president, his mother was former President Corazon Aquino; the first president to be a child of a former president was President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is the daughter of former President Diosdado Macapagal.

Contents
[hide]

1 Transition o 1.1 Official residence 2 Inauguration 3 Interim Interior Secretary 4 Major issues of presidency

4.1 Aquino's speeches 4.2 Major acts as president 4.3 Major legislations signed 4.3.1 2010 5 Domestic policies o 5.1 No wang-wang policy o 5.2 Formation of a truth commission o 5.3 Executive orders o 5.4 Hourly broadcast of original Filipino musical compositions on radio o 5.5 Launch of official presidential website o 5.6 PAGASA Reorientation o 5.7 Education reform o 5.8 Reproductive health 6 Foreign policies o 6.1 First official trip to the United States 6.1.1 Citibank Economic Conference 6.1.2 Meeting with the Filipino community in the United States 6.1.3 Millennium Challenge Corporation 6.1.4 Statement before the 65th United Nations General Assembly 6.1.5 Meeting with Obama o 6.2 First official trip to Vietnam 6.2.1 Meeting with the President and Prime Minister of Vietnam 6.2.2 Meeting with the Filipino community in Vietnam 6.2.3 Statements during the ASEAN Summits in Vietnam o 6.3 First official trip to Japan 6.3.1 APEC CEO Summit 6.3.2 APEC Economic Leaders Meeting Retreat 7 Manila hostage crisis 8 Administration and cabinet 9 Judicial appointments 10 References 11 External links

o o o

[edit] Transition
Main article: Presidential transition of Benigno Aquino III The presidential transition began on June 9, 2010, when the Congress of the Philippines proclaimed Aquino the winner of the 2010 Philippine presidential elections held on May 10, 2010, proclaiming Aquino as the President-elect of the Philippines.[6][7] The transition was in charge of the new presidential residence, cabinet appointments and cordial meetings between them and the outgoing administration.

[edit] Official residence

The presidential residence of Aquino is Bahay Pangarap (English: House of Dreams),[8] located inside of Malacaang Park,[9] at the headquarters of the Presidential Security Group across the Pasig River from Malacaang Palace.[8][10] Aquino is the first president to make Bahay Pangarap his official residence.[4][5] Malacaang Park was intended as a recreational retreat by former President Manuel L. Quezon.[5] The house was built and designed by architect Juan Arellano in the 1930s,[5][8] and underwent a number of renovations.[8] In 2008, the house was demolished and rebuilt in contemporary style by architect Conrad Onglao,[5][8] a new swimming pool was built, replacing the Commonwealth-era swimming pool.[4][5] The house originally had one bedroom,[8] however, the house was renovated for Aquino to have four bedrooms,[4] a guest room, a room for Aquino's household staff, and a room for Aquino's close-in security.[9] The house was originally intended as a rest house, the venue for informal activities and social functions for the First Family by former President Manuel L. Quezon.[8] Malacaang Park was refurbished through the efforts of First Lady Eva Macapagal, wife of former President Diosdado Macapagal, in the early 1960s.[5] First Lady Macapagal renamed the rest house as Bahay Pangarap.[5] During the presidency of Fidel V. Ramos, the house was restored and became the club house of the Malacaang Golf Club.[8] The house was used by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to welcome special guests.[8] Aquino refused to live in Malacaang Palace, the official residence of the President of the Philippines, or in Arlegui Mansion, the residence of former presidents Corazon Aquino and Fidel V. Ramos, stating that the two residences are too big,[8] and also stated that his small family residence at Times Street in Quezon City would be impractical, since it would be a security concern for his neighbors.[10]

[edit] Inauguration
Main article: Inauguration of Benigno Aquino III Traditionally, it is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines who administers the oath of office to the incoming President and Vice President, however, Aquino refused to allow Chief Justice Renato Corona to swear him into office, due to Aquino's opposition to the midnight appointment of Corona by outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on May 12, 2010, two days after the 2010 elections and a month before Arroyo's term expires.[11] Instead, Aquino formally requested Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines Conchita CarpioMorales, who opposed the midnight appointment of Corona,[12] to swear him into office.[13] Aquino took the oath of office on June 30, 2010, at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila.[3][14] The oath of office was administered by Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales, who officially accepted Aquino's request to swear him into office,[3][13] reminiscent of the decision of his mother, who in 1986, was sworn into the presidency by Associate Justice Claudio Teehankee.[2] After being sworn in as the fifteenth President of the Philippines, succeeding Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Aquino delivered his inaugural address.

[edit] Interim Interior Secretary

On June 29, 2010, Aquino officially named the members of his Cabinet, with Aquino himself as Secretary of the Interior and Local Government,[15] a position that Vice President-elect Jejomar

Binay initially wanted, however, Aquino stated that the post is not being considered for him,[16] but has offered Binay various positions, such as, to head a commission that will investigate the outgoing Arroyo administration, the posts of Secretary of Agrarian Reform, chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), and the chairman of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), but Binay refused.[17] However, on July 15, 2010, Binay has accepted the offer of Aquino to take charge of the housing sector as chairman of HUDCC.[18] From June 30July 9, 2010, Aquino was Secretary of the Interior and Local Government,[15] until Aquino named Jesse Robredo, a former Naga mayor, as Interior Secretary.[19]

[edit] Major issues of presidency

[edit] Aquino's speeches

Inaugural Address, (30 June 2010) First State of the Nation Address, (26 July 2010)

[edit] Major acts as president [edit] Major legislations signed

[edit] 2010

December 27: General Appropriations Act of 2011

[edit] Domestic policies

US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Joseph Burns (middle) shakes hands with President Benigno S. Aquino III (right) as United States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr. (left) looks on.

[edit] No wang-wang policy

During the inaugural address, Aquino created the no wang-wang policy, strengthening the implementation of Presidential Decree No. 96.[20][21] The term wang-wang is a street lingo for blaring sirens.[22] Presidential Decree No. 96 was issued on January 13, 1973 by former President

Ferdinand Marcos, regulating the use of sirens, bells, whistles, horns and other similar devices only to motor vehicles designated for the use of the President, Vice President, Senate President, House Speaker, Chief Justice, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Land Transportation Office, Bureau of Fire Protection and ambulances.[20][21] However, despite having the privilege of using wang-wang, Aquino maintained he would set the example for his no wang-wang policy, not to use wang-wang, even if it means being stuck in traffic and being late every now and then.[23][24] Aquino also traded the official black presidential Mercedes Benz S-Guard limousine for a white Toyota Land Cruiser 200.[23] After the inaugural address, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority began to enforce Aquino's no wang-wang policy, confiscating wang-wang from public officials and private motorists who illegally used them.[21]

[edit] Formation of a truth commission

On June 29, 2010, Aquino announced the formation of a truth commission that will investigate various issues including corruption allegations against outgoing President Gloria MacapagalArroyo. Aquino named former Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr. to head the truth commission.[25]

[edit] Executive orders

On July 30, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 1, creating the Truth Commission.[26] The commission is tasked to investigate various anomalies and issues including graft and corruption allegations against the past administration, government officials and their accomplices in the private sector during the last nine years.[26] The commission has until December 31, 2012 to complete its mission.[26] Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr. will head the commission.[26] On August 4, 2010, Aquino implemented Executive Order No. 2, signed on July 30, 2010, ordering the immediate removal of all midnight appointments made by the previous administration for violating the 60-day constitutional ban on presidential appointments before a national election.[27] On August 6, 2010, Aquino implemented Executive Order No. 3, signed on July 30, 2010, an executive order revoking Executive Order No. 883, signed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on May 28, 2010, that automatically promoted lawyers in government executive service to the rank of Career Executive Service Officer III (CESO III).[28] On August 9, 2010, Aquino implemented Executive Order No. 4, signed on July 30, 2010, reorganizing and renaming the Office of the Press Secretary as the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO),[29][30] and creating the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO).[29][30] Aquino appointed former ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) anchor Ricky Carandang and Herminio Coloma as secretaries of the new media communications group.[30][31] On September 1, 2010, Aquino implemented Executive Order No. 5, signed on August 25, 2010, an executive order amending Executive Order No. 594, signed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on December 20, 2006, stating the rules governing the appointment or

designation and conduct of special envoys.[32] Executive Order No. 5 prevents special envoys from using the title "ambassador".[32] On September 2, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 6, extending the duration of the operations of the Presidential Middle East Preparedness Committee (PMEPC) to December 30, 2010.[33] On September 8, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 7, ordering the suspension of all allowances, bonuses and incentives of board members of government-owned and-controlled corporations (GOCCs) and government financial institutions (GFIs) until December 31, 2010.[34] On September 9, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 8, reorganizing and renaming the Build-Operate and Transfer Center (BOT) to the Public-Private Partnership Center (PPP) and transferring its attachment from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).[35] On October 1, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 9, amending Section 1 of Executive Order No. 67, signed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on January 22, 2002, and reorganizing the Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement created under Executive Order No. 199, signed by former President Joseph Estrada on January 17, 2000. On October 2, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 10, declaring October 2, 2010 as the Nationwide Philhealth Registration Day (NPRD) and directing the Department of Health (DOH) to lead concerned government agencies to facilitate the nationwide Philhealth registration. On November 8, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 11, transferring the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to the Office of the President. On November 9, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 12, delegating to the Executive Secretary the power to approve compromises or releases of any interest, penalty or civil liability to the Social Security System (SSS) pursuant to Section 4(6) of Republic Act No. 8282, otherwise known as the Social Security Act of 1997. On November 15, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 13, abolishing the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) and transferring its investigative, adjudicatory and recommendatory functions to the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs and the Office of the President. On November 19, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 14, transferring the control and supervision of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) from the Department of Health (DOH) to the Office of the President. On December 9, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 18, abolishing agencies under the Office of the President such as the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) and the Office of

the Presidential Adviser on Global Warming and Climate Change.

Philippines' Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin welcomes President Benigno S. Aquino, III at the Office of Civil Defense at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo. On December 20, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 15, granting combat allowance to uniformed members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who are directly involved in combat operations against members of National Security Threat Groups. On December 21, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 16, extending the term of the SOCCSKSARGEN Area Development Office (ADPO) from January 2010 to December 2016. On December 22, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 17, forming the EDSA People Power Commission, designated to organize the nationwide celebrations commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution. On December 30, 2010, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 19, extending the suspension of the grant of allowances and other incentives to members of the Board of Directors/Trustees of Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) and Government Financial Institutions (GFIs). On January 6, 2011, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 20, extending the duration of operation of the Presidential Middle East Preparedness Committee (PMECC), led by Special Envoy Roy Cimatu, to June 30, 2011. On January 14, 2011, Aquino signed Executive Orders No. 21 and 22 , reducing the rate of import duty on milling wheat, cement and cement clinker to zero under Section 104 of the Presidential Decree No. 1464, otherwise as the Tariff and Customs Code of 1978.[36] On February 1, 2011, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 23, declaring a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forests and creating the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force. On February 10, 2011, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 24, which prescribed rules to govern the compensation of members of the Board of Directors/Trustees in Government-Owned Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) and Government Financial Institutions (GFIs). On February 24, 2011, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 26, declaring the implementation of a

National Greening Program (NGP). The NGP will plant some 1.5 billion trees covering about 1.5 million hectares for a period of six years, from 2011 to 2016. On February 28, 2011, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 27, implementing the reduction of real property taxes and interest/penalties assessed on the power generation facilities of independent power producers under build-operate transfer contracts with Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations in Quezon. On March 14, 2011, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 28, reorganizing the Single Negotiating Panel into the Philippine Air Negotiating Panel and the Philippine Air Consultation Panel, mandated by the Philippine government's Domestic and International Civil Aviation Liberalization Policy. On March 14, 2011, Aquino signed Executive Order No. 29, authorizing the Civil Aeronautics Board and the Philippine Air Panels to "pursue more aggressively" the International Civil Aviation Liberalization Policy. On March 14, 2011, Aquino also signed Executive Order No. 30, transferring the Land Registration Authority (LRA) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

[edit] Hourly broadcast of original Filipino musical compositions on radio

On August 14, 2010, Aquino directed the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to fully implement Executive Order No. 255, issued on July 25, 1987 by former President Corazon Aquino, requiring all radio stations to broadcast a minimum of four original Filipino musical compositions every hour.[37]

[edit] Launch of official presidential website

On August 16, 2010, Aquino launches his official presidential website. The presidential website's aim is to create communication between Aquino and the people, getting feedback from the people, telling Aquino their woes and grievances.[38]

[edit] PAGASA Reorientation

On July 14, 2010, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) called an emergency meeting in Camp Aguinaldo to assess the damage caused by Typhoon Basyang.[39] Aquino attended the meeting to obtain information on the damage caused by Typhoon Basyang and to personally monitor the repair and recovery work in the aftermath of the typhoon.[39] In the meeting, Aquino criticized the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) for failing to predict and to warn the residents of Metro Manila that Typhoon Basyang would ravage Metropolitan Manila.[39][40] On August 6, 2010, Aquino announced the removal of Prisco Nilo as administrator of

PAGASA.[41] PAGASA was directly under Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary for Research and Development (R&D) Graciano Yumul.[41] A special order from DOST Secretary Mario Montejo, dated August 5, 2010, designated Yumul as PAGASA administrator, replacing Nilo.[41] On August 7, 2010, Malacaang announced that Yumul will be heading PAGASA temporarily, for only three months, as PAGASA will undergo a "reorientation" to improve its services.[42] Aquino has yet to name the new administrator who will permanently head PAGASA.[42]

[edit] Education reform

During Aquino's first State of the Nation Address (SONA), Aquino announced his intention to reform the education system in the Philippines by shifting to K12 education, a 12-year basic education cycle.[43] K12 education is used in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

[edit] Reproductive health

On September 30, 2010, Bishop Nereo Odchimar of Tandag, head of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said that Aquino might face excommunication from the Catholic Church for supporting the Reproductive Health Bill, the plan to distribute and give Filipino couples the choice to use contraceptives for artificial birth control.[44] However, despite the possibility of excommunication, Aquino said that he is not changing his position on contraceptive use.[44]

[edit] Foreign policies

[edit] First official trip to the United States

United States President Barack Obama with President Benigno Aquino III at a working lunch with leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations around the United Nations General Assembly Meeting in New York City.

United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivers remarks at the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact agreement signing ceremony with President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, on September 23, 2010. On September 20, 2010, Aquino delivered his departure statement at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), before leaving for his first official trip to the United States.[45] Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto Romulo, Secretary of Finance Cesar Purisima, Secretary of Trade & Industry Gregory Domingo, and Secretary of Energy Jose Rene Almendras, including 34 businessmen and 12 officials and support staff of the Presidential Communications Operations Office joined Aquino in the trip.[45] On September 28, 2010, Aquino arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), after his week-long working visit to the United States.[46] Aquino delivered his arrival statement at NAIA.[46] [edit] Citibank Economic Conference On September 22, 2010, Aquino delivered his speech during the Citibank Economic Conference in New York City. [edit] Meeting with the Filipino community in the United States On September 23, 2010, Aquino delivered his extemporaneous remarks during a meeting with the Filipino community at Baruch College in New York City. On September 26, 2010, during a visit to the Seasons Market Place in Milpitas, California, Aquino was greeted by cheering members of the Filipino community of San Jose, California.[47] Aquino also delivered his speech in front of the Filipino community at the Mission San Francisco de Ass in San Francisco, California. [edit] Millennium Challenge Corporation On September 23, 2010, Aquino delivered his remarks at the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact agreement signing ceremony at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. The US$434-million MCC compact agreement will fund the Aquino administration's various programs on poverty reduction, revenue generation, and infrastructure development.[45] [edit] Statement before the 65th United Nations General Assembly On September 24, 2010, Aquino delivered his statement before the 65th United Nations General Assembly in New York City. [edit] Meeting with Obama On September 24, 2010, Aquino had a seven-minute one-on-one talk with President of the United States Barack Obama during the 2nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)US Leaders Meeting at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City.[48][49] During the meeting, Aquino recognized the United States commitment to reinvigorating its relationship with the

region and its individual nations at a time of ever-increasing complexity in global affairs.[48] Obama expressed his determination to elevate RP-US relations to a higher level, and welcomed the Aquino administrations anti-corruption efforts.[48] Aquino and Obama also discussed military matters, about the possible removal of thousands of tons of war materials that Allied forces had left behind on Corregidor Island during World War II.[49]

[edit] First official trip to Vietnam

President Benigno Aquino III (3rd to the right) and other ASEAN leaders during the 2nd ASEAN-Russia Summit, Hanoi, Vietnam, October 30, 2010. On October 26, 2010, Aquino delivered his departure statement at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), before leaving for his first official trip to Vietnam.[50] On October 31, 2010, Aquino arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), after his first official trip to Vietnam.[51] Aquino delivered his arrival statement at NAIA.[51] [edit] Meeting with the President and Prime Minister of Vietnam On October 26, 2010, Aquino met with President of Vietnam Nguyn Minh Trit at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam.[50] Aquino and Trit signed four memorandum of agreement on four areas of cooperation, namely, higher education, defense, oil spill preparedness and response, and search and rescue at sea.[50] Aquino also met with Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguyn Tn Dng.[50] Aquino delivered a toast at the State Banquet hosted by Trit at the Government Guest House. [edit] Meeting with the Filipino community in Vietnam On October 27, 2010, Aquino delivered his extemporaneous remarks during a meeting with the Filipino community in Vietnam. [edit] Statements during the ASEAN Summits in Vietnam On October 28, 2010, Aquino delivered his statement during the ASEAN Leaders Retreat in Hanoi, Vietnam. On October 29, 2010, Aquino delivered his statements during the 13th ASEANJapan Summit, 13th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit, 13th ASEAN-China Summit, 13th ASEAN Plus Three Summit, and 3rd ASEAN-UN Summit in Hanoi, Vietnam. On October 30, 2010, Aquino delivered his statements during the 8th ASEAN-India Summit, 5th East Asia

Summit, 2nd ASEAN-Russia Summit, ASEAN-Australia Summit, and ASEAN-New Zealand Commemorative Summit in Hanoi, Vietnam.

[edit] First official trip to Japan

On November 11, 2010, Aquino delivered his departure statement at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), before leaving for his first official trip to Japan for the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Yokohama, Japan.[52] [edit] APEC CEO Summit On November 12, 2010, Aquino delivered his speech during the APEC CEO Summit in Yokohama, Japan. [edit] APEC Economic Leaders Meeting Retreat On November 14, 2010, Aquino delivered his statement during the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting Retreat in Yokohama, Japan.

[edit] Manila hostage crisis

Main article: Manila hostage crisis On August 23, 2010, in front of the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila, the site of Aquino's presidential inauguration, the Manila hostage crisis occurred. Aquino expressed concern over the matter and gave his condolences to the victims. Aquino defended the actions of the police at the scene, stating that the gunman had not shown any signs of wanting to kill the hostages.[53] Aquino ordered a "thorough investigation" into the incident, and would wait until it is completed before deciding whether anyone should lose his or her job.[53][54] Aquino declared that the media may have worsened the situation by giving the gunman "a bird's-eye view of the entire situation".[54] Aquino also made reference to the Moscow theater hostage crisis, which, according to Aquino, resulted in "more severe" casualties despite Russia's "resources and sophistication".[55] On August 24, 2010, Aquino signed Proclamation No. 23, declaring August 25, 2010, as a national day of mourning, instructing all public institutions nationwide and all Philippine embassies and consulates overseas to lower the Philippine flag at half-mast, in honor of the eight Hong Kong residents who died in the Manila hostage crisis.[56][57] On August 25, 2010, at a press conference in Malacaang, Aquino apologized to those offended when he was caught on television apparently smiling while being interviewed at the crime scene hours after the Manila hostage crisis.[58] Aquino said; "My smile might have been misunderstood. I have several expressions. I smile when I'm happy, I smile when I'm faced with a very absurd situation...and if I offended certain people, I apologize to them. It's more of an expression maybe of exasperation rather than anything and again, I apologize if I offended certain people, who misunderstood (my) facial expression."[58] On September 3, 2010, Aquino took responsibility for everything that happened during the

Manila hostage crisis.[59] Aquino actually has direct supervision of the Philippine National Police, since Aquino had asked Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Jesse Robredo to address other concerns, such as coming up with a comprehensive plan on delivering social services to and relocating informal settlers in coordination with the local governments.[59]

[edit] Administration and cabinet

This article is outdated. Please update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. Please see the talk page for more information. (September 2011)
The Aquino Cabinet Office President Vice President Executive Secretary Secretary of Agrarian Reform Secretary of Agriculture Secretary of Budget and Management Secretary of Education Secretary of Energy Secretary of Environment & Natural Resources Secretary of Finance Secretary of Foreign Affairs Secretary of Health Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Secretary of Justice Secretary of Labor and Employment Secretary of National Defense Secretary of Public Works & Highways Secretary of Science & Technology Secretary of Social Welfare & Development Secretary of Tourism Secretary of Trade & Industry Secretary of Transportation and Communications Presidential Management Staff Name Benigno Aquino III Jejomar Binay Paquito Ochoa, Jr. Proceso Alcala Florencio Abad Term 2010present 2010present 2010present 2010present 2010present

Virgilio De Los Reyes 2010present

Br. Armin Luistro FSC 2010present Jose Rene Almendras 2010present Ramon Paje Cesar Purisima* Albert Del Rosario Enrique Ona* Jesse Robredo Benigno Aquino III Leila De Lima* Rosalinda Baldoz* Voltaire Gazmin Rogelio Singson Corazon Soliman Alberto Lim Gregory Domingo Mar Roxas Ping De Jesus Julia Razon Abad 2010present 2010present 2011present 2010present 2010present 20102010 2010present 2010present 2010present 2010present 2010present 2010present 2010present 2011present 20102011 2010present

Engr. Mario Montejo 2010present

Presidential Adviser on National Security Presidential Adviser on Peace Process AFP Chief of Staff PNP Director General CHED Chairman Presidential Spokesperson Secretary of Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office

Cesar Garcia Teresita Deles

2010present 2010present

Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr. 2011present Dir. Gen. Raul Bacalzo 2010present Dr. Patricia Licuanan 2010present Edwin Lacierda Ricky Carandang Sonny Coloma 2010present 2010present 2010present

National Economic and Development Authority Cayetano Paderanga, Jr. 2010present

*Retained from previous administration. Promoted from lower office(s).

[edit] Judicial appointments

Aquino appointed the following to the Supreme Court of the Philippines:

Maria Lourdes Aranal Sereno - August 13, 2010.[60]

[edit] References
1. ^ a b "Senator Benigno S. Aquino III". Senate of the Philippines. http://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/aquino_noynoy_bio.asp. Retrieved January 25, 2010. 2. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Trivia on Aquino and Binay". http://www.abscbnnews.com/insights/06/19/10/trivia-aquino-and-binay. 3. ^ a b c d e "Official Program Aquino Inaugural (Excerpts)". http://www.scribd.com/doc/33654204/Official-Program-Aquino-Inaugural-Excerpts. 4. ^ a b c d "Bahay Pangarap for P-Noy ready". http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=597999&publicationSubCategoryId=63. 5. ^ a b c d e f g h "Briefer on Bahay Pangarap and Malacaang Park". http://www.gov.ph/2010/07/29/briefer-on-bahay-pangarap-and-malacanang-park/. 6. ^ "Congress final tallies INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos". http://politics.inquirer.net/politics/view/20100608-274547/Congress-final-tallies. 7. ^ "Aquino promises justice as Philippines president - Yahoo! News". http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100609/ap_on_re_as/as_philippines_aquino. 8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Bahay Pangarap: Aquino's future home?". http://www.abscbnnews.com/lifestyle/06/09/10/bahay-pangarap-aquinos-future-home. 9. ^ a b "How was PNoys first night at Bahay Pangarap?". http://www.gmanews.tv/story/197976/how-was-pnoys-first-night-at-bahay-pangarap.

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