MANILA, Philippines - Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III stayed guarded but optimistic as he continued to lead all counts for Monday’s presidential elections.

On Tuesday, Aquino refused to outrightly claim victory, pointing to the fact that Congress has yet to proclaim him officially as president-elect.

Congress resumes work at the end of the month when it sits as the National Board of Canvassers for President and Vice-President.

Aquino stayed inside his family’s Hacienda Luisita home in Tarlac for most of Election Day till early Tuesday, when he acceded to numerous requests for interviews from media staked out at his house.

In the early hours of the count, Aquino declined to issue statements and preferred to wait for more results.

In his prepared statement before the media on Tuesday, Aquino said he is now focused on making sure the votes for his running mate, Senator Manuel "Mar" Roxas II, are all counted.

“Based on the partial, it's clear I have a significant lead over the next contender. I'm grateful to my supporters for  this achievement. It's been an honor to share as we begin to accept the responsibility of leading,“ Aquino said.

The Binay factor

Aquino also sidestepped a question on whether he would be willing to work with his family’s friend, current front runner in the vice-presidential race, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.

Throughout the campaign, both camps have been hounded by rumors that Binay is Aquino’s secret candidate for vice-president.

This rumor was bolstered by the endorsement of Binay by Aquino’s close friend, Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero. “Ask Binay if he's prepared to work with me,” he said.

Aquino said he is in communication with Roxas whom he texted to share information with. He said he expects Roxas to overcome Binay’s lead once his bailiwicks are counted, noting it was the votes from Binay’s bailiwicks which were counted first.

“Matibay ang samahan namin [ni Mar], klaro ang damayan. Hindi iyan present samin ni Binay, kahit magkaibigan,” he said.

Aquino was surprised at Binay’s strong showing especially in the final leg of the campaign. Aquino stressed he asked his supporters to back Roxas as well, belying claims his core supporters dropped Roxas for Binay.

Reconciliation?

Aquino, meantime, extended a reconciliatory hand to his rival and second cousin, administration candidate Gilberto Teodoro.

“Unawaan natin kung di siya makikipagusap. Kailangan ma-absorb muna. bukas tayo anytime. Pilit naman niyang tinaas ang level ng debate,” he said.

Aquino, however, was hesitant to offer his cousin a Cabinet position, noting the impropriety of appointing relatives to the 4th degree to positions in government.

Aquino refused to comment on his erstwhile chief rival, Senator Manuel Villar’s concession speech earlier Tuesday. He said he prefers to first read a transcript of Villar’s statement so that he can issue the appropriate response.

No means to cheat

Aquino also brushed aside reports that the camp of current tally second-placer, former President Joseph Estrada, is preparing an electoral protest on allegations of fraud.

“I hope President Estrada was misquoted. I'm sure he’s aware I'm in the opposition,“ Aquino said, adding that he has no facilities for cheating.

Despite the favorable outcome, Aquino has misgivings about the conduct of the first ever automated election process.

“I think I’m the wrong person to talk to on automation. I stood in line for 4 hours! More than anything, you rolled out a product that had to undergo testing, you don’t roll out. Comelec issues a set of specs for automation, they awarded. They should have tested more thoroughly. You don’t issue a contract for 70,000 machines only to start tests after deploying,” Aquino said.

He plans to revive in the future all the issues his camp raised during the campaign against the automation.

Dinky, Kris and Shalani

Still, Aquino seems to be ready to hit the ground running. He bared that Corazon "Dinky" Soliman, President Gloria Arroyo’s former confidante and one time social welfare secretary, has agreed to return to her old job under his administration.

Aquino also said he already has a candidate for executive secretary but the person, whom he described as an LP member, has yet to accept the offer of the job.

Aquino also said a talent search has commenced to form the new Aquino Cabinet. He said his priority is streamlining government positions and prioritizing line agencies to save up on costs.

He said he will abolish advisers and positions with no portfolios.

Aquino stressed his high profile sister,  actress-TV host Kris Aquino, has opted not to have a role in government, while his partner, Shalani Soledad, will be busy as councilor in Valenzuela’s 2nd district.

Hacienda Luisita, Cha-cha

Aquino, meantime, preferred to let the courts and the beneficiaries decide the fate of his family’s Hacienda Luisita.

Aquino also said he will live up to his campaign promise to set up a commission to study charter change and see if the public supports it.

Aquino, on the other hand, stressed there will be a mechanism for the closure of all controversies hounding  President Arroyo, adding a lawyer will lead a group of volunteers for this matter.

For so long as there is no closure, he said the controversies will continue to hound government.

He noted the "Hello Garci" scandal as an example and how it hounded the recently concluded electoral process.

"That’s not in the mode of being vindictive, but lack of closure ensures problems will persist. We’ve just had election, but Garci hasn't been resolved. The same fears were visited upon the people,” he added. 

However, Aquino conceded he hasn’t received any reports of scenarios similar to incidents of cheating in the 2004 elections.

Midnight appointments and deals

Aquino also said that he will order an inventory of all midnight appointments and deals entered into by his would-be predecessor.

"Midnight deals at appointments ay dapat may imbentaryo. As you know, I’ve taken a strong position sa issue ng chief justice [appointment]. We believe the Constitution makes a blanket prohibit ion on appointing anybody, except executive positions in a temporary capacity,” he said.