Will there be friction between the Aquino administration and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo?
A3: The Aquino camp has been clear that they intend to pursue a strong anticorruption platform, and they have indicated an interest in pursuing investigations into contracts and deals completed during Arroyo’s nine years in office. Arroyo ran for and won a congressional seat, and under Philippine law, she is immune from prosecution while she is in Congress. Q4: Weren’t there concerns about the first automated elections in the Philippines being run well? Were there major problems? Could a successful Philippine election set a trend for the region? A4: The first automated elections in the Philippines reported were relatively efficient, and their success has likely strengthened confidence in the Commission on Elections. Security officials indicated that the balloting turned out to be the “most peaceful” that the country has seen. Having said that, at least nine people were killed (some reports suggest 10) with up to 12 wounded. It is likely these numbers will increase based on recent histo
