News update Arroyo Cabinet members ready for 'new chapter'

As Filipinos prepare to welcome a new administration, members of the outgoing Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration’s Cabinet prepared to go their separate ways.

But before saying goodbye to each other, they had their last social gathering late Tuesday at the Bahay Pangarap in Malacañang, radio dzBB's Tuesday Niu reported on Wednesday.

The Bahay Pangarap has been chosen as the living quarters of Benigno Simeon Aquino III, who will take his oath as the country's 15th President at noon.

For its part, the Presidential Security Group remained on red alert at the Palace grounds, as well as the Bahay Pangarap inside its compound.

Meanwhile, outgoing deputy presidential spokesman Gary Olivar said Wednesday many of them are "glad" to start a new chapter in their lives.

"Totoo yan. Tayo ay babalik sa private sector at natutuwa tayo [na] magsisimula tayo ng bagong kabanata sa buhay natin (It is true. In my case I am going back to the private sector. I am glad we are starting a new chapter in our lives)," Olivar said in an interview on dwIZ radio, when asked if the Cabinet members were ready to go their separate ways.

Several Cabinet members of Mrs. Arroyo are planning to return to the private sector, even as Mrs. Arroyo herself will remain in government as Pampanga congresswoman in the 15th Congress.

Another Cabinet member, Presidential Management Staff head Elena Bautista-Horn, said she is looking forward to a long rest as she is expecting twins later this year.

On the other hand, Olivar would not comment on whether the last Cabinet meeting of the Arroyo administration in Malacañang was emotional.

He only said the final Cabinet meeting discussed "transition activities" for the incoming administration of Aquino.

Also, Olivar maintained he considers Mrs. Arroyo as the gutsiest president. "She has balls, she has more balls than anyone I ever met," he said. – LBG/RSJ