Charice to sing anthem at Aquino inauguration

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Kris Aquino disclosed here on Monday that it would be the Philippines' international singing sensation Charice Pempengco who will sing the national anthem during her brother President-elect Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III's inauguration on June 30.

Kris made this announcement after saying last week that the task of singing the national anthem during the inauguration was a toss-up between "Journey" lead vocalist Arnel Pineda and Charice.

Kris and elder sister Viel Aquino-Dee were in town to thank Zamboangeños for the support they gave their brother in the last elections.

They also came to Zamboanga to distribute school supplies to nearly 200 special children in 2 public schools Monday morning.

Viel also said they are expected to announce the complete list of Cabinet secretaries before the week ends.

Children from Sta. Maria Central School thanked the Aquino sisters for finding time to visit them. They also wrote a letter intended for the president-elect.

In the letter, they expressed their dreams and expectations from the new president, from fixing their broken arm chairs to giving their parents jobs.

Viel and Kris also went to Tetuan Central School amid the rain.

Kris admitted the family has to "woo" Zamboangeños more since their brother ranked second to former President Joseph Estrada in last month's presidential race.

But, she said, they believe the Aquino administration will be able to work with the local government.

In the last elections, re-electionist Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat did not endorse any presidential candidate.

Kris said the numbers in the last elections do not count.

Before the Aquino sisters arrived, Bishop Romulo Valles said he was looking forward to having a private moment with the Aquino family and Sister Agnes of the Carmelite sisters.

He said he will reiterate the prayer of hope and determination that the new president be true to his promise of "kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap" (if there is no corruption, there is no poverty).

Kris acknowledged that Bishop Valles and Sister Agnes have been a great help to the Aquino family, giving them guidance and prayers even before the elections.

She said they would take a moment during their stay in Zamboanga City to thank them personally.

Source: ABS-CBN News