OLM’s and OLM Associates and friends gathered together on June 30 to watch on television the inauguration of the 15th President of the Philippines, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
Quirino Grand Stand was a sea of yellow, the colour of Noynoy and his mother, Cory, for this historic event. People from all walks of life from as far away as Tarlac arrived in droves. It was estimated that more than 500,000 were present. Moreover, representatives from 81 countries and various organizations, and about 200 overseas supporters came to grace Wednesday’s event.
It all began with the singing of the national anthem, and then three religious leaders were called to lead the national prayer: a Catholic priest, an Imam (a Muslim religious leader), and a Protestant pastor. When they finished the prayer, a succession of Filipino songs was rendered.
Senate president Juan Ponce-Enrile read the joint resolution of the 14th Congress declaring Noynoy and Binay the duly elected president and vice president of the Republic of the Philippines, respectively.
The excitement is filled with hope as the 15th President of our country states his desire to make “democracy reach its fullest potential: that of ensuring equality for all.” And all felt the security of a new beginning. Two disturbing questions were also mentioned in his speech:
“Is our government beyond redemption? Has it been written that the Filipino’s lot is merely to suffer?”
What is most beautiful about the speech is the acknowledgment of the present condition of the people—that most Filipinos suffer from inept, even unjust governance. It is time, therefore, for the government to regain the trust and confidence of the people. How will he do it? President Noynoy says he will represent the People, and will do his best to cleanse the bureaucracy of graft and corruption. He will be the foremost example of a true and honest Filipino citizen, meaning the Filipino people are his boss.
What is note-worthy about his speech are his thoughts on transforming government, from an inept and tyrannical one to a participative government, one that hears and opens itself up for criticisms and observations. Aquino vows to effect a feedback mechanism, a communication system, whereby government will be able to adjust its policies based on the people’s perceptions and views. This is the first time that government will try to effect a participative or a responsive system, a system which relies on a mass-based feedback mechanism.
The core message of the speech though is simple—for change to occur, the people must take part in the process of nation-building. The inauguration ended with the oath taking of the different sector’s representatives led by Sr. Mary Grace Mananzan, osb proclaiming “P-noy ako!” (I am Filipino!)
by Lorie J. Nuñez, olm