P-Noy to Pinoys: You are my boss (Noynoy Promise)

P-Noy to Pinoys: You are my boss - Yahoo! Philippines News: "MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino promised yesterday the dawning of real change and to make the people his “only boss,” as he rallied them to unite since “we’re all in this together.”

“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,” Mr. Aquino said in his inaugural address after being sworn in as the country’s 15th president by Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila’s Rizal Park at noon yesterday."

“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,” Mr. Aquino said.

“This is the end of the government that does not care for the people. It is not Noynoy who found a way. You are the reason why the suffering of the nation is about to end. This is the beginning of my Calvary, but together we can carry this cross, no matter how heavy it is,” Mr. Aquino said.


“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,” he said.

“Walang lamangan, walang padrino, at walang pagnanakaw. Panahon na upang tayo ay muling magkawanggawa (No more cheating, no more patronage politics, no more stealing. It’s time for helping one another),” the President said.

“Inaanyayahan ko kayo ngayon na manumpa sa ating mga sarili, sa sambayanan, walang maiiwan. Walang pangingibang-bayan at gastusan na walang wastong dahilan. Walang pagtalikod sa mga salitang binitawan noong kampanya, ngayon at hanggang sa mga susunod pang pagsubok na pagdadaanan sa loob ng anim na taon (Today, I am inviting you to pledge to yourselves and to our people, no one shall be left behind. No more junkets or senseless spending. No more turning back on pledges made during the campaign, whether today or in the coming challenges over the next six years),” he said.

The 50-year-old President drew loud cheers from the crowd the moment he arrived at the grandstand with former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

His speech touched on his campaign promises and the most applauded were his references to fighting corruption and on empowering the people.

His speech was rich in messages of hope, change, reforms, unity, self-reliance, perseverance and hard work.

Top local artists came to sing inspirational and patriotic songs. The crowd cheered, flashed the L or Laban (fight) sign, waved yellow flags and many had fun with the music. The national anthem was sung by international singing sensation Charice.

True strength

President Aquino said he felt humbled by the people’s show of trust, declaring “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,” he said.

“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,” Mr. Aquino said.

“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,” he said.

“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 were tasked to become our advocates,” Aquino said.

“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,” Aquino said, eliciting cheers and applause from the crowd.

“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,” he said, referring to overseas workers.

“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?” he asked.

No more indifference

Mr. Aquino promised that his administration would be sensitive to the needs of the people.

“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,” he added.

“It is the promise I made during the campaign, which you accepted on election. 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,” he pointed out.

He said his administration’s foremost mission was 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,” Mr. Aquino said.

“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,” he noted.

He assured his “impoverished countrymen” that “starting today, your government will be your champion.”

Education

“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,” he said.

“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 (Philippine Health Insurance coverage) for all within three years; a home for every family, within safe communities,” Mr. Aquino said.

“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,” he said.

Farmers’ security

Mr. Aquino also said there would be greater security for farmers under his administration.

“We are directing (Agriculture) Secretary (Proceso) 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,” he said.

“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,” Mr. Aquino said.

He said his government’s goal would be to create jobs at home so that there would be no need for Filipinos to look for employment abroad.

“However, as we work towards that end, I am ordering the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs), POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Agency), OWWA (Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration), and other relevant agencies to be even more responsive to the needs and welfare of our overseas Filipino workers,” he said.

Consultation

Mr. Aquino also said his government would 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,” Mr. Aquino said.

“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,” he said.

After the elections, Mr. Aquino said the people “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,” Mr. Aquino said.

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

Mr. Aquino said he attained victory because the people stood together with him.

“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,” he said.

“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?”

Parents’ legacy

“I will not be able to face my parents and you who have brought me here if I 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,” the President said.

“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,” he told Filipinos during his inaugural address.

After his inauguration, Mr. Aquino proceeded to the Malacañang for lunch with his family and guests and administered the oath of office to 200 local officials as his first official act, after which he presided over his first Cabinet meeting.

- By Aurea Calica (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)