MANILA, (Reuters) – Benigno Aquino’s convincing performance in this week’s Philippine presidential poll point to a smooth transition over the next six weeks, but the outgoing administration could cause some headaches.
Aquino has said he is ready to govern, but has not directly claimed the presidency. He is setting up a committee to look at cabinet posts, with investors waiting on his choices for key economic and finance positions for signals on policy direction. The relatively smooth election process and the emergence of a clear winner with market-friendly credentials is seen as a positive development for improving long-term investor perception.
However, the speed with which the result has become known has created something of a void. Official results are not likely until June, and second-placed Joseph Estrada will not concede until then.