It's all systems go for the oathtaking of President-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) turned over on Monday the newly renovated Quirino Grandstand in Manila to the organizers of the inaugural rites on June 30.

In a walk through at the historic landmark on Monday, Public Works officials showed to the inauguration team headed by Maria Montelibano the physical transformation of the 3,800-meter structure after it underwent major repair works.

“The grandstand is ready and it is safe for the inauguration. We have already cleaned it up,” said DPWH Director Edilberto Tayao of the National Capital Region (NCR).

The DPWH was on schedule to open the grandstand to the public in time for the oath-taking and inauguration ceremony. Its renovation, however, would only be 90 percent complete by that day and they will finish the remaining scope of work after the event.

Completed by DPWH was the building's retrofitting works, 30-meter extension of the canopy, repainting, and the platforms at the grandstand for local and foreign media. Its floor, slabs, and girders were repaired.

DPWH Undersecretary Romeo Momo said there are no more structural obstacles in the holding of Aquino's inaugural as far as the venue is concerned.

“The grandstand's (physical) appearance is back to its old form. It's now up to the inauguration team to determine what else needs to be done,” he said.

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) sets from the Philippine National Police (PNP) are still being set up in the grandstand. There were wide-screen television sets prepared for those who cannot be accommodated in the venue.

Other attendees can watch the ceremonies from an elevated portion of the Luneta Park which can accommodate more than 20,000 people.

DPWH plans to close again the grandstand on July 1 to put a second coating of paint on the structure, install the remaining metal carbon fiber on both sides, and water proofing activities.

“We would have to close the grandstand once again for the safety of our workers and the safety of the materials. But if they need to use the grandstand, they could use it,” said Tayao.

Binay inaugural reception
Meanwhile, Vice President-elect Jejomar Binay said he will not join the post-inauguration street-party of President-elect Aquino and his supporters at the Quezon City Memorial Circle but will have his inaugural reception in at his residence.

“I am not really sure if I could attend the inauguration street-party because we will also have a post-inauguration celebration at our residence,” said Binay after the oath-taking of his son, Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay as the new Makati mayor on Monday.

What is clear, Binay said, is he and wife Dra. Elenita Sombillo-Binay will attend the Inaugural Ball at the Malacañang Palace.

For his part, the younger Binay there is no problem between his father and Aquino following the decision of his father not to join the street party.

“I reiterate that there is no rift between the families of Aquino and Binay. As my father says, we will always extend our help to President Noynoy whenever he needs it,” he said.

Joey Salgado, Binay’s spokesman, said after the inauguration, the Vice President will host a dinner with his family at their home in Barangay San Antonio, Makati.

After the inauguration on Wednesday, Aquino would attend the street-party organized by his supporters at the 26-hectare Quezon City Memorial Circle.

Last week, Aquino and Binay have a one-on-one meeting where the vice president declined the four positions offered to him, including Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), and as chairmanship of a fact-finding commission to probe corruption in the outgoing Arroyo administration.

During their talk, Binay asked the President to allow him to function as Vice President of the country and personally check the concerns of the nation. (With a report from Anna Liza T. Villas)