Malacañang is keeping its fingers crossed for a “professional, efficient, and timely” transition of power to the incoming leadership despite apparent tensions between President Arroyo and her successor.

Deputy Presidential Spokesman Gary Olivar said they would want to have a “pleasant” turnover between Mrs. Arroyo and the country’s new leader even though this is not necessarily a must in any transition.

“A pleasant turnover would be nice to have but not necessarily essential.

A turnover does not have to be pleasant. We have been hospitable even though this is not reciprocated by the other camp,” he said over government radio.

“We hope the turnover will be professional, efficient, and timely and not necessarily pleasant,” the Palace official added.

Olivar made the remarks after Senator Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” C. Aquino III, the emerging winner of the presidential race, rejected the call of the President for the incoming and outgoing Cabinets to meet to iron out the transition process.

Aquino claimed the proposal was premature since canvassing of votes in the presidential and vice presidential contest has not yet been completed.

“At the point in time, when we have finished the canvassing, so as not to be accused of being presumptuous,” Aquino told reporters on Saturday, referring to the proposed joint meeting between the current and incoming Cabinets.

The President earlier vowed a seamless handover to the next leadership to help it hit the ground running when it takes office.

Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza was tapped to head an inter-agency team that will prepare a transition blueprint that would help the new president.

The blueprint includes an inventory of government’s programs and projects, properties, and vacant positions estimated to reach more than 1,000 as well as briefings and tours for the incoming officials.
A few days ago, Aquino, who used an anti-corruption agenda in his campaign, also vowed to launch an inquiry into the alleged election fraud implicating outgoing President Arroyo.

Earlier, Ma. Elena H. Bautista-Horn, director-general of the Presidential Management Staff and member of the Presidential Transition Cooperation Team, said the Arlegui Guesthouse is being prepared in case the incoming president decides to make it his residence.

Former Presidents Corazon C. Aquino and Fidel V. Ramos made the Arlegui Guesthouse their official residence during their terms.

To that, Aquino told reporters: “That’s really their call as far as I’m concerned. They are still holding the reins of power at this point in time.”

At the moment, the senator from Tarlac said he and his staff are busy forming the Cabinet.
“The Cabinet will be composed of the ones who will comprise the transition team, who will need to know all the data with regard to the current situation, potential problems, bright spots if any, so we are guided accordingly,” Aquino stressed.
To date, only Corazon “Dinky” Soliman as Social Welfare and Development Secretary and Teresita “Ging” Quintos-Deles as Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process are the ones who have been confirmed as members of an incoming Aquino Cabinet.
“I think a lot of them are still undergoing deep soul-searching, consulting their respective families and institutions they belong to. They are not yet ready to fully embrace the assignment,” Aquino said.
In addition, Aquino pointed out that since he has no dependents, half of his salary as President will probably go back to the government in the form of salary deductions.
“That includes the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Pag-IBIG, and the usual deductions. But I feel that a lot of people will definitely approach me for help so I do not think there’s any problem where my remaining salary will go,” Aquino said.