MANILA, Philippines—Filipinos have swamped a new Facebook page to offer words of advice and caution for their next president-apparent, Senator Benigno Aquino III—telling him he should choose upright Cabinet members and also quit smoking.
Aquino's promise to wage war against rampant corruption that has plagued the Philippines has raised hopes, especially among young who made up almost half the voters in Monday's elections.
Aquino, a 50-year-old lawmaker, was headed for a landslide victory, largely campaigning on a family name and promising to follow the legacy of his parents, who are regarded as heroes in the country's democratic struggle against the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos.
More than 26,741have visited the Facebook site, "Dear Noynoy Aquino," and indicated they "like" it. They were posting suggestions for Aquino in the 24 hours since it was set up Tuesday by Rock Ed Philippines, a volunteer group of young professionals promoting alternative education and "thoughtful suggestions" for the new president.
Writing on the page, Patricia O. Loanzon warned Aquino that Filipinos will repeat the "people power" revolts that ousted Marcos in 1986 and President Joseph Estrada in 2001 "should you renege on your promises to change/eradicate corruption in our government."
Wilfred Alipat said he still had doubts about Aquino, "but I hope you prove them wrong."
Others urged him to distribute his family's vast sugar estate to landless farmers and workers, while Anna Ylagan wrote: "Quit smoking, President Noy. We need you to be healthy."