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MANILA, Philippines - Benigno Aquino III was proclaimed president Wednesday and promised justice and action on a host of issues plaguing the Philippines, including poverty and corruption.

Chorus of cheers hailed from the gallery as Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Speaker Prospero Nograles proclaimed Aquino and Vice President Jejomar Binay at 3:40 p.m., officially sealing their victory in the May 10 automated elections.

Enrile and Nograles raised the hands of Aquino and Binay shortly after 4 p.m. following a brief break by the two chambers. The rafters were packed with supporters wearing yellow, the trademark campaign color of the Aquino family.

Aquino, who wore a Barong Tagalog embroidered with his trademark ribbon, came with sisters Kris Aquino-Yap, Pinky Aquino-Abellada, Balsy Aquino-Cruz, Viel Aquino-Dee, and their families.

Aquino, who formally takes office on June 30, crushed his rivals after promising to tackle the pervasive graft and grinding poverty that have long afflicted the sprawling Asian archipelago of more than 90 million people.
 "As president, we will be in a position to effect the necessary changes," he said. "With the backing of the people, I don't think anything is impossible."

Aquino had no plans of seeking the presidency until the death of his mother in August 2009, when calls from various sectors forced him to join the presidential race.

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