Inaugural Speech of President Benigno Aquino III

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.

Ang pagtayo ko dito ngayon ay patunay na kayo ang aking tunay na lakas. Hindi ko inakala na darating tayo sa puntong ito, na ako’y manunumpa sa harap ninyo bilang inyong Pangulo. Hindi ko pinangarap maging tagapagtaguyod ng pag-asa at tagapagmana ng mga suliranin ng ating bayan.

Ang layunin ko sa buhay ay simple lang: maging tapat sa aking mga magulang at sa bayan bilang isang marangal na anak, mabait na kuya, at mabuting mamamayan.

Nilabanan ng aking ama ang diktaturya at ibinuwis niya ang kanyang buhay para tubusin ang ating demokrasya. Inalay ng aking ina ang kanyang buhay upang pangalagaan ang demokrasyang ito. Ilalaan ko ang aking buhay para siguraduhin na ang ating demokrasya ay kapaki-pakinabang sa bawat isa. Namuhunan na kami ng dugo at handang gawin itong muli kung kinakailangan.

Tanyag man ang aking mga magulang at ang kanilang mga nagawa, alam ko rin ang problema ng ordinaryong mamamayan. Alam nating lahat ang pakiramdam na magkaroon ng pamahalaang bulag at bingi. Alam natin ang pakiramdam na mapagkaitan ng hustisya, na mabalewala ng mga taong pinagkatiwalaan at inatasan nating maging ating tagapagtanggol.

Kayo ba ay minsan ring nalimutan ng pamahalaang inyong iniluklok sa puwesto? Ako rin. Kayo ba ay nagtiis na sa trapiko para lamang masingitan ng isang naghahari-hariang de-wangwang sa kalsada? Ako rin. Kayo ba ay sawang-sawa na sa pamahalaang sa halip na magsilbi sa taumbayan ay kailangan pa nila itong pagpasensiyahan at tiisin? Ako rin.

Katulad ninyo ako. Marami na sa atin ang bumoto gamit ang kanilang paa—nilisan na nila ang ating bansa sa kanilang paghahanap ng pagbabago at katahimikan. Tiniis nila ang hirap, sinugod ang panganib sa ibang bansa dahil doon may pag-asa kahit kaunti na dito sa atin ay hindi nila nakikita. Sa iilang sandali na sarili ko lang ang aking inaalala, pati ako ay napag-isip din—talaga bang hindi na mababago ang pamamahala natin dito? Hindi kaya nasa ibang bansa ang katahimikang hinahanap ko? Saan ba nakasulat na kailangang puro pagtitiis ang tadhana ng Pilipino?

Ngayon, sa araw na ito—dito magwawakas ang pamumunong manhid sa mga daing ng taumbayan. Hindi si Noynoy ang gumawa ng paraan, kayo ang dahilan kung bakit ngayon, magtatapos na ang pagtitiis ng sambayanan. Ito naman ang umpisa ng kalbaryo ko, ngunit kung marami tayong magpapasan ng krus ay kakayanin natin ito, gaano man kabigat.

Sa tulong ng wastong pamamahala sa mga darating na taon, maiibsan din ang marami nating problema. Ang tadhana ng Pilipino ay babalik sa tamang kalagayan, na sa bawat taon pabawas ng pabawas ang problema ng Pinoy na nagsusumikap at may kasiguruhan sila na magiging tuloy-tuloy na ang pagbuti ng kanilang sitwasyon.

Kami ay narito para magsilbi at hindi para maghari. Ang mandato ninyo sa amin ay pagbabago—isang malinaw na utos para ayusin ang gobyerno at lipunan mula sa pamahalaang iilan lamang ang nakikinabang tungo sa isang pamahalaang kabutihan ng mamamayan ang pinangangalagaan.

Ang mandatong ito ay isa kung saan kayo at ang inyong pangulo ay nagkasundo para sa pagbabago—isang paninindigan na ipinangako ko noong kampanya at tinanggap ninyo noong araw ng halalan.

Sigaw natin noong kampanya: “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.” Hindi lamang ito pang slogan o pang poster—ito ang mga prinsipyong tinatayuan at nagsisilbing batayan ng ating administrasyon.

Ang ating pangunahing tungkulin ay ang magsikap na maiangat ang bansa mula sa kahirapan, sa pamamagitan ng pagpapairal ng katapatan at mabuting pamamalakad sa pamahalaan.

Ang unang hakbang ay ang pagkakaroon ng tuwid at tapat na hanay ng mga pinuno. Magsisimula ito sa akin. Sisikapin kong maging isang mabuting ehemplo. Hinding hindi ko sasayangin ang tiwalang ipinagkaloob ninyo sa akin. Sisiguraduhin ko na ganito rin ang adhikain ng aking Gabinete at ng mga magiging kasama sa ating pamahalaan.

Naniniwala akong hindi lahat ng nagsisilbi sa gobyerno ay corrupt. Sa katunayan, mas marami sa kanila ay tapat. Pinili nilang maglingkod sa gobyerno upang gumawa ng kabutihan. Ngayon, magkakaroon na sila ng pagkakataong magpakitang-gilas. Inaasahan natin sila sa pagsupil ng korapsyon sa loob mismo ng burukrasya.

Sa mga itinalaga sa paraang labag sa batas, ito ang aking babala: sisimulan natin ang pagbabalik ng tiwala sa pamamagitan ng pag-usisa sa mga “midnight appointments.” Sana ay magsilbi itong babala sa mga nag-iisip na ipagpatuloy ang baluktot na kalakarang nakasanayan na ng marami.

Sa mga kapuspalad nating mga kababayan, ngayon, ang pamahalaan ang inyong kampeon.

Hindi natin ipagpapaliban ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga estudyante, kaya’t sisikapin nating punan ang kakulangan sa ating mga silid-aralan.

Unti-unti din nating babawasan ang mga kakulangan sa imprastraktura para sa transportasyon, turismo at pangangalakal. Mula ngayon, hindi na puwede ang “puwede na” pagdating sa mga kalye, tulay at gusali dahil magiging responsibilidad ng mga kontratista ang panatilihing nasa mabuting kalagayan ang mga proyekto nila.

Bubuhayin natin ang programang “emergency employment” ng dating pangulong Corazon Aquino sa pagtatayo ng mga bagong imprastraktura na ito. Ito ay magbibigay ng trabaho sa mga local na komunidad at makakatulong sa pagpapalago ng kanila at ng ating ekonomiya.

Hindi kami magiging sanhi ng inyong pasakit at perwisyo. Palalakasin natin ang koleksyon at pupuksain natin ang korapsyon sa Kawanihan ng Rentas Internas at Bureau of Customs para mapondohan natin ang ating mga hinahangad para sa lahat, tulad ng:

• dekalidad na edukasyon, kabilang ang edukasyong bokasyonal para makapaghanap ng marangal na trabaho ang hindi makapag-kolehiyo;

• serbisyong pangkalusugan, tulad ng Philhealth para sa lahat sa loob ng tatlong taon;

• tirahan sa loob ng mga ligtas na komunidad.

Palalakasin at palalaguin natin ang bilang ng ating kasundaluhan at kapulisan, hindi para tugunan ang interes ng mga naghahari-harian, ngunit para proteksyunan ang mamamayan. Itinataya nila ang kanilang buhay para mayroong pagkakataon sa katahimikan at kapayapaan sa sambayanan. Dumoble na ang populasyong kanilang binabantayan, nanatili naman sila sa bilang. Hindi tama na ang nagmamalasakit ay kinakawawa.

Kung dati ay may fertilizer scam, ngayon ay may kalinga na tunay para sa mga magsasaka. Tutulungan natin sila sa irigasyon, extension services, at sa pagbenta ng kanilang produkto sa pinakamataas na presyong maaari.

Inaatasan natin si papasok na Kalihim Alcala na magtayo ng mga trading centers kung saan diretso na ang magsasaka sa mamimili - lalaktawan natin ang gitna, kasama na ang kotong cop. Sa ganitong paraan, ang dating napupunta sa gitna ay maari nang paghatian ng magsasaka at mamimili.

Gagawin nating kaaya-aya sa negosyante ang ating bansa. 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. Sa ganitong paraan lamang natin mapupunan ang kakulangan ng trabaho para sa ating mga mamamayan.

Layunin nating paramihin ang trabaho dito sa ating bansa upang hindi na kailanganin ang mangibang-bansa para makahanap ng trabaho. Ngunit habang ito ay hindi pa natin naaabot, inaatasan ko ang mga kawani ng DFA, POEA, OWWA at iba pang mga kinauukulang ahensiya na mas lalo pang paigtingin ang pagtugon sa mga hinaing at pangangailangan ng ating mga overseas Filipino workers.

Papaigtingin namin ang proseso ng konsultasyon at pag-uulat sa taumbayan. Sisikapin naming isakatuparan ang nakasaad sa ating Konstitusyon na kinikilala ang karapatan ng mamamayan na magkaroon ng kaalaman ukol sa mga pampublikong alintana.

Binuhay natin ang diwa ng people power noong kampanya. Ipagpatuloy natin ito tungo sa tuwid at tapat na pamamahala. Ang naniniwala sa people power ay nakatuon sa kapwa at hindi sa sarili.

Sa mga nang-api sa akin, kaya ko kayong patawarin, at pinapatawad ko na kayo. Sa mga nang-api sa sambayanan, wala akong karapatan na limutin ang inyong mga kasalanan.

To those who are talking 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. Sa paglimot ng pagkakasala, sinisigurado mong mauulit muli ang mga pagkakasalang ito. Secretary de Lima, you have your marching orders. Begin the process of providing true and complete justice for all.

Ikinagagalak din naming ibahagi sa inyo ang pagtanggap ni dating Chief Justice Hilario Davide sa hamon ng pagtatatag at pamumuno sa isang Truth Commission na magbibigay linaw sa maraming kahinahinalang isyu na hanggang ngayon ay walang kasagutan at resolusyon.

Ang sinumang nagkamali ay kailangang humarap sa hustisya. Hindi maaaring patuloy ang kalakaran ng walang pananagutan at tuloy na pang-aapi.

My government will be sincere in dealing with all the peoples of Mindanao. We are committed to a peaceful and just settlement of conflicts, 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. Sa tamang pamamahala gaganda ang buhay ng lahat, at sa buhay na maganda, sino pa ang gugustuhing bumalik sa panahon ng pang-aapi?

Kung kasama ko kayo, maitataguyod natin ang isang bayan kung saan pantay-pantay ang pagkakataon, dahil pantay-pantay nating ginagampanan ang ating mga pananagutan.

Kamakailan lamang, ang bawat isa sa atin ay nanindigan sa presinto. Bumoto tayo ayon sa ating karapatan at konsensiya. Hindi tayo umatras sa tungkulin nating ipaglaban ang karapatang ito.

Pagkatapos ng bilangan, pinatunayan ninyo na ang tao ang tunay na lakas ng bayan.

Ito ang kahalagahan ng ating demokrasya. Ito ang pundasyon ng ating pagkakaisa. Nangampanya tayo para sa pagbabago. Dahil dito taas-noo muli ang Pilipino. Tayong lahat ay kabilang sa isang bansa kung saan maaari nang mangarap muli.

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.”

Inaanyayahan ko kayo ngayon na manumpa sa ating mga sarili, sa sambayanan, WALANG MAIIWAN.

Walang pangingibang-bayan at gastusan na walang wastong dahilan. Walang pagtatalikod sa mga salitang binitawan noong kampanya, ngayon at hanggang sa mga susunod pang pagsubok na pagdadaanan sa loob ng anim na taon.

Walang lamangan, walang padrino at walang pagnanakaw. Walang wang-wang, walang counterflow, walang tong. Panahon na upang tayo ay muling magkawang-gawa.

Nandito tayo ngayon dahil sama-sama tayong nanindigan at nagtiwala na may pag-asa.

The people who are behind us dared to dream. Today, the dream starts to become a reality. Sa inyong mga nag-iisip pa kung tutulong kayo sa pagpasan ng ating krus, isa lang ang aking tanong – kung kailan tayo nanalo, saka pa ba kayo susuko?

Kayo ang boss ko, kaya’t hindi maaaring hindi ako makinig sa mga utos ninyo. We will design and implement an interaction and feedback mechanism that can effectively respond to the people’s needs and aspirations.

Kayo ang nagdala sa akin sa puntong ito—ang ating mga volunteers—matanda, bata, celebrity, ordinaryong tao, na umikot sa Pilipinas para ikampanya ang pagbabago; ang aking mga kasambahay, na nag-asikaso ng lahat ng aking mga personal na pangangailangan; ang aking pamilya, kaibigan at katrabaho, na dumamay, nag-alaga at nagbigay ng suporta sa akin; ang ating mga abogado, na nagpuyat para bantayan ang ating mga boto at siguraduhing mabibilang ang bawat isa; ang aking mga kapartido at kaalyado na kasama kong nangahas mangarap; at ang milyun-milyong Pilipinong nagkaisa, nagtiwala at hindi nawalan ng pag-asa—nasa inyo ang aking taus-pusong pasasalamat.

Hindi ko makakayang harapin ang aking mga magulang, at kayong mga nagdala sa akin sa yugto ng buhay kong ito, kung hindi ko maisasakatuparan ang aking mga binitawang salita sa araw na ito.

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

Layunin ko na sa pagbaba ko sa katungkulan, masasabi ng lahat na malayo na ang narating natin sa pagtahak ng tuwid na landas at mas maganda na ang kinabukasang ipapamana natin sa susunod na henerasyon. Samahan ninyo ako sa pagtatapos ng laban na ito. Tayo na sa tuwid na landas.

Maraming salamat po at mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino!


Source: Inquirer.net

Who is my President?

As the Election Day is nearing, the political fight also continues to intensify. As usual, the politicians are jumpy as ever and they most likely fill the churches praying for their luck while winning the voter’s vote. But, this May 2010 election is more exhilarating, interesting and much anticipated because it will be done through electronic voting. Apart from that, the fundamental question, “who shall among the aspirants will I vote?” becomes more essential and even mind boggling.
Mind boggling, because there is no one among the presidential aspirants have all the qualities that a Filipino citizen wants from his president. Importantly, they all just blah blah without nothing that would firmly prove their sincerity and dedication to serve. Despite this unfortunate truth, a Filipino voter should vote on May 10th. On that day, one must have responsibly decided on what name to shade.
Surely, it would be foolishness if I will choose Erap. For once, he had been remarkably dethroned and the allegations have been proven real. He has been given a chance to lead but he only led his people to revolt against him. Even his friends turned their back against him. There is no need to go further.
Though it’s true that Philippines have worsen in many aspects, even the personal characters of politicians and government officials have been attacked. With the continuous and unbearable rise of corruption and poverty, it is about time that morality should be instituted in the highest pedestal of political hierarchy. However, it does not necessarily mean that a religious leader be pushed in that position. Politics is political.
A person from rags to riches may have all the experiences and may have understood the situation of three-fourths of country’s population. However, giving out of money from personal pocket will not eradicate poverty. Instead, it will induce indolence and tolerate mendicancy. Though Villar may have all the riches but does he has the capacity to lead a country to its place? Money may be a fuel, but it is not the only means to run a wheel. How would he actually perceive corruption? With all the controversies attached to his name, it can be more than enough to doubt writing his name on May 10. It is yet early to have him as the president.
For many years, we had leaders graduate from Harvard, University of the Philippines and from prestigious and famous schools. We had various leaders with high educational attainment and achievement in life. However, their intelligence went to waste as they just continue to dump the country into debt and rampant corruption. Policies they formed were merely for their interest and they just doubled their wealth in other countries. For many times, people marched along the streets to compel them out of the palace due to their crookedness.
Gibo may have all the intelligence but may lack the wisdom. For the past four years, the Filipino people got tired and infuriated by the shameful controversies involving the most powerful person in the country. In giving chance to Gibo, will responsible people be made to pay for all their corrupt activities in the past? Will he able to create good governance or will he just continue the legacy of his ancestor? Will he ever address the Hacienda Luisita issue? Having him as president will only revive the fears of the people during the GMA period.
Indeed, in the administration capability, the tandem of Gordon and Binay could have been very promising. Developing their cities into “success” is a great political and personal achievement. The status of Makati and Subic is evident of their dedication to serve their constituents. Philippines will surely have a brighter future having them in the highest position. However, will their political will be effective in the whole nation? Will they ever rule together knowing that they do not belong to the same line?
They say, Aquino does not have the experience and incapable of ruling the country. That he only lives under the shadow of his parents. But, this time, the country does not need someone who has all the money, intellectual power, spiritual ascendancy. What the country needs is a person who has a firm principle that is righteous. Solving corruption, which is the cause of poverty, is the primary need of the country. The reinstatement of people with dedication to change the government into a useful one is the urgent need that Filipino must consider. Aquino may have passed various laws during his reign in the lower position, but his deeds have firmly formed him into one that does not tolerate a policy that will put the country into failure. Today, the country does not need someone with A+ and overwhelming wealth. What it needs is someone who cannot yield on the crooked system in politics. Eventually change will follow. I believe that principle and reputation are the strongest weapons in making one stand firm to go straight.
Moreover, it cannot be denied that the fight is between the three parties, Villar, Gibo and Aquino. Rather than putting your vote on others, put it on Aquino in order to deter those who has the capacity to cheat and dump the country into a piece of hell. Tomorrow, make use of your vote. It has a power to change. Choose the better change. Be wise and responsible because that is a true Filipino.

"give me a second chance "- Erap

Impeachmen, Plunder, and Jueteng among others are merely terms related to the name of former President Ejercito “Erap” Estrada. After Erap’s impeachment, he was put on house arrest for quite some time.




This 2010 election, he expressed his intention of running for public position. He expressed his desire to be the Republic of the Philippines’ president…again. He asked the Filipino people if he be given another chance… Will you risk the Philippines' future for the second time?

Mar: I retreat. Noy NOy: I need retreat

Mar’s political career turnout has indeed shocked the country. Mar’s act of giving up his political ambition this 2010 in favor of Senator Aquino has really led the political future of Philippines to the path of hope. The decision made by Mar Roxas is indisputably a great sacrifice. His political ambition for presidency has already been known at the first showing of his million worth of commercial. Apart from that, his marriage to Korina Sachez also spiced up to his popularity tactics. Undeniably, the efforts he had earlier made worth millions. However, this September 1, he renounced his ambition and gave way for Se. Aquino.

The act of Mar Roxas is indeed an example of great sacrifice. A great sacrifice for the greater success of his plans for the country. Though in my own political analysis, he has relinquished his ambition because he already knew that Sen. Aquino would win if the latter runs, his deed is still worthy of applause. It cannot be denied that he was filled with frustrations. Yet, he managed to stand firm to his political decision. Apart from that, knowing the he is the real kin of the person who established the Liberal party, he is still the one who gave way.

With his political decision, we hope that Mar Roxas’ sacrifices will bear fruit. We hope that the people’s dream of real change will be achieved by 2010. Though, up to this moment, Sen. Aquino has not yet confirmed his candidacy, it is much expected that he will stand the fight for the Liberal party. With this unexpected political U-turns, hopefully the Philippine will finally have a clean government.

Hopefully, Sen. Aquino will be guided by the Holy Spirit as to his political decision. It is true that millions of people are pushing him to run for presidency for his clean political characters. Corruption may also his least thing to do while in position. However, according to political analysts, he does not have control over the Congress. Unfortunately, the Congress is still ruled by the party of the administration. But then, among the Filipino masses, character comes first before power of political organization. This is the asset of Sen. Aquino that he can be proud of. Needless to say, it is still early to say the turnout of the 2010 election. But then, hopefully, the Filipino people will unite in supporting the right leader this 2010. And, hopefully, the person to be crowned as president will not fail the Filipino people. Instead, he will lead the country towards prosperity and peace.

A devastated COMELEC and the destroyer TIM

The news yesterday and headline in newspapers today about the withdrawal of TIM from its engagement in the automated election is very disappointing and devastating. Apart from that, COMELEC Chairman Melo expressed that this incident cannot be repaired and the nation has no choice but to return to manual election. Notably, right after the resignation of Abalos and the divulging of the Hello Garci tape, the nation initiated to clean the election process for the purpose of ensuring a clean election. Automated election was found as a solution. Millions of pesos have also been spent for such purpose. However, while election is nearing, more and more problems have started to arise and bother the nation.

Today, the worst problem has bombarded the nation. With the withdrawal of TIM, the 2010 election will be done manually. Such changes has created a doubt, speculations,and political perceptions about the real reason for such event. Many thought that it may have been politically motivated and related it to Cha-Cha while others think that it may have been due to other reasons which I cannot figure out. Although it may be unsafe to conclude that TIM's withdrawal has been caused by political pressures, it is also difficult to think of any reason for a reputable company to just withdraw from a big and important contract such as this one.

Despite any reasons, the withdrawal of TIM corp. from the automated poll is no joke. It did not only put its partner, Smartmatic, in an embarrassing and disadvantage position but also put the COMELEC in a formidable position because of strenuous adjustments that it had to undergo. More significantly it failed the people's hope to have a clean, honest, and credible election on 2010. In going back to manual election, the possibility of fraud and other dirty tricks may likely happen. With this possibility, the Filipino people will continue to suffer from the malicious manipulation of selfish and corrupt dirty politicians. All left is for us to be vigilant and do our part in intelligently casting our votes and hope for the better even if it is almost hopeless.

It's Election Time!

It's barely a year before the 2010 election yet the environment dictates that it's election time. The creation of the political condition has been marked by the tv ad of Sen. Villar showing himself helping several OFW's being abused by their foreign employers to get back home to Philippines. The tv ad was followed by other ads showing faces of politicians extending help to those in need. Some showing their future plans and aspirations to a particular cause. The other one was aiming to promote his city by showing the beauty and the kind of life that his constituents are enjoying. Through these advertisements several unforgettable phrases has instilled in the mind of the people. Among these phrases includes, "Ganito kami sa Makati", "Anak itabi mo", and "Ganito kami noon..." But all the ads have common denominator- appealing to people to vote for them in the coming 2010 elections.
Undeniably, the ads have violated the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines which requires that campaign period should done within the 90 days period before the election day. It is also noteworthy that such ads were questioned by several critics. Though some have acceded to the criticisms, the ads still continued and new ads still continued to flash on tv screens. This proves one culture in Philippine politics which is "whatever it takes" in order to win.
Apart from the tv ads, there are several aspirants making noises just to win the attention of media and eventually make their name unforgettable until the coming 2010 election. Several politicians just can't get their hands off the cookie jar. Political parties also started to form their strategies in making their party strong in the coming election. Everyone implies that they are good, they are kind, and they deserve to be voted. With the intensity of politics at present, it can then be said that it is election time.