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Full English transcript of President Noynoy Aquino’s Inaugural Speech

Nhil — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 18:11:28 +0000

Today marks the first day that we have our newly elected President Benigno Aquino III to lead our nation as we are working for a better Philippines.

Good thing I was on a holiday leave and so I got the chance to watch the entire coverage on TV. I see this as a huge family event, with all the Filipinos being the rest of the family members to take care of.

Here’s the full English transcript of President Noynoy Aquino’s Inaugural Speech:

His Excellency Jose Ramos Horta, Former President Fidel V. Ramos, Former President Joseph Estrada, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and members of the Senate, House Speaker Prospero Nograles and members of the House, justices of the Supreme Court, members of the foreign delegations,Your Excellencies of the diplomatic corps, fellow colleagues in government, aking mga kababayan.

My presence here today is proof that you are my true strength. I never expected that I will be here taking my oath of office before you, as your president. I never imagined that I would be tasked with continuing the mission of my parents. I never entertained the ambition to be the symbol of hope, and to inherit the problems of our nation.

I had a simple goal in life: to be true to my parents and our country as an honorable son, a caring brother, and a good citizen.

My father offered his life so our democracy could live. My mother devoted her life to nurturing that democracy. I will dedicate my life to making our democracy reach its fullest potential: that of ensuring equality for all. My family has sacrificed much and I am willing to do this again if necessary.

Although I was born to famous parents, I know and feel the problems of ordinary citizens. We all know what it is like to have a government that plays deaf and dumb. We know what it is like to be denied justice, to be ignored by those in whom we placed our trust and tasked to become our advocates.

Have you ever been ignored by the very government you helped put in power? I have. Have you had to endure being rudely shoved aside by the siren-blaring escorts of those who love to display their position and power over you? I have, too. Have you experienced exasperation and anger at a government that instead of serving you, needs to be endured by you? So have I.

I am like you. Many of our countrymen have already voted with their feet – migrating to other countries in search of change or tranquility. They have endured hardship, risked their lives because they believe that compared to their current state here, there is more hope for them in another country, no matter how bleak it may be. In moments when I thought of only my own welfare, I also wondered – is it possible that I can find the peace and quiet that I crave in another country? Is our government beyond redemption? Has it been written that the Filipino’s lot is merely to suffer?

Today marks the end of a regime indifferent to the appeals of the people. It is not Noynoy who found a way. You are the reason why the silent suffering of the nation is about to end. This is the beginning of my burden, but if many of us will bear the cross we will lift it, no matter how heavy it is.

Through good governance in the coming years, we will lessen our problems. The destiny of the Filipino will return to its rightful place, and as each year passes, the Filipino’s problems will continue to lessen with the assurance of progress in their lives.

We are here to serve and not to lord over you. The mandate given to me was one of change. I accept your marching orders to transform our government from one that is self-serving to one that works for the welfare of the nation.

This mandate is the social contract that we agreed upon. It is the promise I made during the campaign, which you accepted on election day.

During the campaign we said, “If no one is corrupt, no one will be poor.” That is no mere slogan for posters — it is the defining principle that will serve as the foundation of our administration.

Our foremost duty is to lift the nation from poverty through honest and effective governance.

The first step is to have leaders who are ethical, honest, and true public servants. I will set the example. I will strive to be a good model. I will not break the trust you have placed in me. I will ensure that this, too, will be the advocacy of my Cabinet and those who will join our government.

I do not believe that all of those who serve in our government are corrupt. In truth, the majority of them are honest. They joined government to serve and do good. Starting today, they will have the opportunity to show that they have what it takes. I am counting on them to help fight corruption within the bureaucracy.

To those who have been put in positions by unlawful means, this is my warning: we will begin earning back the trust of our people by reviewing midnight appointments. Let this serve as a warning to those who intend to continue the crooked ways that have become the norm for too long.

To our impoverished countrymen, starting today, your government will be your champion.

We will not disregard the needs of our students. We will begin by addressing the glaring shortage in classrooms and educational facilities.

Gradually, we will lessen the lack of infrastructures for transportation, tourism and trade. From now on, mediocre work will not be good enough when it comes to roads, bridges, and buildings because we will hold contractors responsible for maintaining their projects in good condition.

We will revive the emergency employment program established by former President Corazon Aquino. This will provide jobs for local communities and will help in the development of their and our economy.

We will not be the cause of your suffering or hardship. We will strengthen collections by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and we will fight corruption in the Bureau of Customs in order to fund our objectives for the public welfare, such as:

* Quality education, including vocational education, so that those who choose not to attend college or those who cannot afford it can find dignified livelihood;
* Improved public health services such as PhilHealth for all within three years;
* A home for every family, within safe communities.

We will strengthen the armed forces and the police, not to serve the interests of those who want to wield power with impunity, but to give added protection for ordinary folk. The armed forces and the police risk their lives daily so that the nation can live in peace and security. The population has doubled and yet their numbers remain unchanged. It is not right that those who make sacrifices are treated pitifully.

If there was a fertilizer scam in the past, today there will be security for farmers. We will help them with irrigation, extension services, and marketing their products at the best possible prices.

We are directing Secretary Alcala to set up trading centers that will directly link farmers and consumers thereby eliminating middlemen and opportunities for corruption. In this way, funds can be shared by farmers and consumers. We will make our country attractive to investors. We will cut red tape dramatically and implement stable economic policies. We will level the playing field for investors and make government an enabler, not a hindrance to business. This is the only means by which we can provide jobs for our people.

Our goal is to create jobs at home so that there will be no need to look for employment abroad. However, as we work towards that end, I am ordering the DFA, POEA, OWWA, and other relevant agencies to be even more responsive to the needs and welfare of our overseas Filipino workers.

We will strengthen the process of consultation and feedback. We will strive to uphold the constitutional right of citizens to information on matters of public concern.

We relived the spirit of people power during the campaign. Let it take us to good and effective governance. Those who believe in people power put the welfare of others before their own.

I can forgive those who did me wrong but I have no right to forgive those who abused our people.

To those who talk about reconciliation, if they mean that they would like us to simply forget about the wrongs that they have committed in the past, we have this to say: there can be no reconciliation without justice. When we allow crimes to go unpunished, we give consent to their occurring over and over again. Secretary de Lima, you have your marching orders. Begin the process of providing true and complete justice for all.

We are also happy to inform you the acceptance of Chief Justice Hilario Davide of the challenge of strengthening and heading a Truth Commission that will shed light on many unanswered issues that continue to haunt our country.

My government will be sincere in dealing with all the peoples of Mindanao. We are committed to a peaceful and just settlement of conflict, inclusive of the interests of all — may they be Lumads, Bangsamoro or Christian.

We shalI defeat the enemy by wielding the tools of justice, social reform, and equitable governance leading to a better life. With proper governance life will improve for all. When we are all living well, who will want to go back to living under oppression?

If I have all of you by my side, we will be able to build a nation in which there will be equality of opportunity, because each of us fulfilled our duties and responsibilities equally.

After the elections, you proved that it is the people who wield power in this country.

This is what democracy means. It is the foundation of our unity. We campaigned for change. Because of this, the Filipino stands tall once more. We are all part of a nation that can begin to dream again.

To our friends and neighbors around the world, we are ready to take our place as a reliable member of the community of nations, a nation serious about its commitments and which harmonizes its national interests with its international responsibilities.

We will be a predictable and consistent place for investment, a nation where everyone will say, “it all works.”

Today, I am inviting you to pledge to yourselves and to our people. No one shall be left behind.

No more junkets, no more senseless spending. No more turning back on pledges made during the campaign, whether today or in the coming challenges that will confront us over the next six years. No more influence-peddling, no more patronage politics, no more stealing. No more sirens, no more short cuts, no more bribes. It is time for us to work together once more.

We are here today because we stood together and believed in hope. We had no resources to campaign other than our common faith in the inherent goodness of the Filipino.

The people who are behind us dared to dream. Today, the dream starts to become a reality. To those among you who are still undecided about sharing the common burden I have only one question: Are you going to quit now that we have won?

You are the boss so I cannot ignore your orders. We will design and implement an interaction and feedback mechanism that can effectively respond to your needs and aspirations.

You are the ones who brought me here—our volunteers—old, young, celebrity, ordinary folks who went around the country to campaign for change; my household help who provided for all my personal needs; my family, friends, colleagues at work, who shared, cared, and gave their support; my lawyers who stayed all hours to guard my votes and make sure they were counted; and the millions of Filipinos who prevailed, kept faith, and never lost hope – I offer my heartfelt gratitude.

I will not be able to face my parents and you who have brought me here if do not fulfill the promises I made.

My parents sought nothing less, died for nothing less, than democracy and peace. I am blessed by this legacy. I shall carry the torch forward.

My hope is that when I leave office, everyone can say that we have traveled far on the right path, and that we are able to bequeath a better future to the next generation. Join me in continuing this fight for change.

Thank you and long live the Filipino people!

Source: The POC.net

First Post After Surviving Typhoon Ondoy

Nhil — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:41:11 +0000

Typhoon Ondoy really changed a lot of lives in the Philippines. He left a lot of garbage, mud, water that are still waist deep in some areas.

I never thought that I will experience being stranded in our house’s second floor for days, as we watch the flood waters rise. I am really surprised as everything happened so quickly that our efforts became nothing to save a lot of my parent’s merchandise. This was aside from the appliances and a lot of personal effects that would have been still useful today, if not for what happened almost two weeks ago.

We are still in the process of cleaning the house and exposing our wet goods during the day, hoping that the sun will make it dry. As for the rest, we have decided to throw those away instead of salvaging those items. I was hurt that I have to let go of a lot of things, but what I am thankful for is that my family is still intact. We are really thankful that the Lord gave us a chance to survive this calamity and appreciate more of His blessings.

How about you? Have you been hit by Typhoon Ondoy as well? How did you survive after the storm?

Mar Roxas Gave Way to Ninoy Aquino for Presidency

Nhil — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:26:52 +0000

In respect to the political party and to the Aquino family, Mar Roxas made a very difficult decision of backing out from his decision to run for President in the 2010 National Elections.

I should say that it was a brave move for Mar Roxas since he was very visible both on television and in the provinces as he was very busy moving around. This has been known to the public as his silent provincial exposure started months ago.

I feel so much respect for this guy who knows how to give some sacrifices in lieu of unity (in the political party) and possible unity for the country.

I am so excited to know what will happen next. How about you?

Erano "Ka Erdie" Manalo of Iglesia ni Kristo Passed Away

Nhil — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 05:59:41 +0000

It was on the news that INC’s Executive Minister Ka Erano Manalo passed away days ago. I watched how their fellow INC members flocked in their Templo Sentral in Quezon City to see pay their respects to their leader.

I am sure that more of their members will soon fly or travel from all over the Philippines to see their leader for the last time. It was noted yesterday in the news that there won’t be any necrological services since that is part of their religious practice.

I am not a member of INC, but I want to express my sincere condolences to his immediate family and INC family.

Earn 50K in your Own Backyard

Nhil — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:21:49 +0000

I am watching ‘Kalye‘ (Road), one of ABS-CBN’s public affairs programs. I found one of their topics blog worthy so I would like to share it with you.

The topic was all about people from the provinces who settle in Metro Manila, hoping to find some greener pastures. They are claiming that there’s no hope to earn money if you are in the province.

This notion was denied by some of their ‘subjects’ who is now earning more than 50K by planting crops and vegetables on their 1,500 square meter farm. Some even make money from their own backyard. The segment showed some of the properties that they got out of their efforts working in the backyard.

See, you can still earn more like a call center manager in the Metro only if you know how to maximize your talent and resources, without leaving your backyard. And that’s what I can consider as a real ‘greener pasture’.

photo credit: envirogardener

August 21, 2009 is Ninoy Aquino Day!

Nhil — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:12:11 +0000

Filipinos will celebrate ‘Araw ng Dilaw’ as we hail it as Ninoy Aquino Day.

Classes are suspended, a portion of the working population will enjoy the holiday tomorrow. Aside from taking another ‘free day’ to be with our friends and family, this will be the perfect time to thank Ninoy Aquino in our own way.

My share of doing this is simply posting about his special day in some of my blogs. I know this is just a little contribution if you will compare his efforts in fighting for democracy, but this post will reach other people’s eyes and will help them appreciate what he did for us Filipinos.

What could he be doing today? I believe in the concept of heaven. So he must be there, walking around, while holding Cory’s hands.

You will always be remembered and missed Ninoy Aquino.

Hoax on Former President Cory Aquino's Death Report

Nhil — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:06:26 +0000

Have you heard about the hoax circulating Former President Corazon Aquino has already died?

Supporters are still trying to tie a yellow ribbon in support for Cory Aquino’s speedy recovery so news circulating that the Former President is dead should stop.

I just find it very insensitive when other people are trying to mix up everything that they get from all sources and trying to make some news out of it. It is just so plain irresponsible that people are starting to pick it up and spread the word around because the ‘news’ started to spread like wildfire.

Here’s a report about it from Inquirer.net and GMA News online.

After I scanned both news, I felt bad for the Aquino family. I know that everyone wanted to know every development on her condition but it will also make matters worse for them because a lot also has been trying to take advantage of the situation.

Please do not believe every detail that you will get just because you wanted to get the ‘scoop’. If you haven’t confirmed the information from their authorized representative, better stop speculating because you are just hurting the family’s feelings in the process. Let us respect their privacy and let them be the ones to provide us information as soon as they have time to do so.

Tie A Yellow Ribbon for Former Pres. Cory Aquino

Nhil — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 02:38:15 +0000

Former President Cory Aquino has been in the Makati Medical Hospital for a month now. I recalled the day when the news came about her having colon cancer.

What was the effect on me then? That news became an eye opener for me as I googled more information about colon cancer. That made me became more aware of what it is and what can we do to prevent having one. Before the news broke out in the local media, I had that impression about colon cancer as somewhat western illness meaning I only read it much on mostly western authored online and offline resources. So there, that made me more informed now that this colon cancer cannot only be associated with a certain country or group of people.

Anyway, now that she is still trying to feel better, Aquino’s supporters are encouraging everyone to tie a yellow ribbon as a sign of love and support.

I have yet to see some people start this act of love. I am pretty sure that this will be followed by many as soon as her supporters start doing this in the coming days.

Partial Solar Eclipse Photos

Nhil — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 04:58:45 +0000

Have you taken some Partial Solar Eclipse Photos today?

I wasn’t able to. I already posted the reason on the Total Solar Eclipse post on my other blog. Anyway, some people told me that this event should not be called as such because what was seen was not really Total Eclipse but a Partial Eclipse, thus my idea for the title of this post today.

Anyway, I have taken some interesting photos of this event courtesy of Hufftington post’s about this event.

Take a look at the first photo. That showed kids using a certain strip to look at the eclipse. I remembered some news snippets yesterday as they gave some reminders for people not to look directly on the image as it can cause blindness.

I have a different feeling though on the next picture. This was taken in Mundul Kiri province, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The bull looks naive of what was happening as the eclipse looked good as a backdrop in the picture though.

Now I remember some old folks who would relay some stories about eclipse. Just like in our province in Bicol. Some oldies there associate solar eclipse events to some not so good events like little harvest or certain calamities. Anyway, I don’t want to counter what they think but I don’t personally believe in those stories.

I also liked the last picture. That one looks like a frame in a movie where the next scene will be something scary like vampires looking for their next victim or zombies walking around. Well, I’d rather not talk about these things anymore, that’s so much of my imagination.

Anyway, enjoy looking at these photos as I do love to see them here. How about you? Have you had some photos of the recent Solar Eclipse? How about some photos of the recent ones? Let me know so I can check your posts about it okay?

Solar Powered Hot Dog Makers

PDEA Agent's Daughter Drugged, Raped or What?

Nhil — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 03:42:28 +0000

Yesterday, I heard about the PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) Agent’s daughter that was allegedly drugged and raped by members of a certain syndicate.

I was alarmed with the news because this does not only warns us that these things can happen in real life (as some told me that it was like a scene in an action flick) but also a reminder that these bad guys can really do everything worse when provoked.

I tuned in to the news on TV, waited for some updates while I am updating my blogs. Still the same thing featured in the next few hours, same headline was given so I thought, this is for real.

Then the bomb came last night as I watched TV Patrol World. The latest development on the case was that there was no drug or rape case in the first place because that didn’t happen. Then they rolled out the news clip informing the viewers that according to the sworn statements of five minor teens (all guys), they allegedly invited the teenage girl to have some chill time and was unable to go back home after few hours after she got drunk.

To cut the long story short, there was nothing to be bothered about. Just a ‘simple’ case of minors that had a great time, without giving regard to the consequences of doing such.

I’m sorry to say this but I really feel that this should not happen again. I mean, a lot of people were alarmed and bothered, especially the parents who are known to be that protective of their children.

Now that this ‘development’ has been aired, would you think that this will lessen the threat that the parents are feeling of the environment their children are all in?

I know this is somewhat a case of chicken and egg question. Which comes first, for the parents to really impose some rules for their kid’s safety, or for these kids/ teens to practice self discipline in their dealings with other people?

Who was to blame? I don’t know with them. But what I am sure of is that it would have been better next time if these young boys and girls will impose a kind of self discipline among themselves so they won’t drag themselves in these kinds of trouble.

Photo credit: superflurient