Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino lII - win presidential race

MANILA, Philippines- Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, with eighty percent vote count is most likely winner of the presidential race following his wide lead in tallies from the Commission on Elections. The Comelec, is the declaration board for the senatorial and party list elections has the results of the presidential and vice presidential elections but has decided to stop making public tallies at 80 percent of the votes in deference to Congress as the canvassing board.The recent visit of US Ambassador Henry Thomas to Aquino’s home signal that the US wants no delay in his proclamation said Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. yesterday.

First to extend their congratulations was Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero on May 14, wishing Aquino success during his presidency. He also assured him of Spain's readiness to cooperate with Aquino’s administration.

Second to extend congratulation,on May 17, Chinese Ambassador Liu Jianchao extended “warmest congratulations” and said China would be “re-energized” to work with Aquino’s “focused and capable leadership” in advancing its “strategic relationship” with the Philippines.

Last Friday, US Ambassador Thomas called on Aquino at his residence on Times Street in Quezon City and extended his “maligayang bati (best wishes).”

In Second slot is at lead vice presidential candidate Jejomar Binay yesterday said that unlike Aquino, he is not expecting any diplomatic visitor at this point.“I am out of their (US) radar, they thought I will not win this election,” Binay said, adding that he is ready to take his oath and assume office now that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has counted 99 percent of election returns.

Binay, has declined to comment on reports implicating him in the so-called “Koala Boy” controversy, referring to the masked witness who surfaced recently to claim involvement in alleged massive cheating during the elections.