Observations on Inauguration Day June 30

The man elected president on May 10th has finally taken office in the Philippines.  Benigno S. Aquino III, with the nick-name NoyNoy, took the presidential oath during an impressive ceremony and celebration on June 30, a day made a non-working holiday so many could witness the event. Jeff and I watched the events on tv...there is something about being in a crowd of between 500,000 and 600,000 that is not recommended for us by the Canadian government (and our mothers!).  Here are some of our observations and reflections:

• it was a sea of people, many who were wearing yellow, the colour of NoyNoy's mother, Corazon Aquino, and the People Power movement she lead to remove the dictator Marcos from office in 1986.
• the ceremony and celebration lasted almost two hours from the time the outgoing and incoming presidents arrived and the new president headed to the palace.  The constitution states that the president should be sworn in at noon on June 30th, but in non-Filipino style he was sworn in about 10 minutes early.  Actually, NoyNoy arrived at the ceremony from his home about 15 minutes early, so maybe he will change the accepted habitual lateness of society here.
• in true Filipino style, there was an abundance of music - philharmonic orchestra and choir, small groups, individuals, folk singer with guitar and more.  All of this was great entertainment prior to the official oath of office.  At one point, things were so far ahead of schedule (keeping in mind he was not supposed to be sworn in until noon), that they asked one of the singers to go back out and sing another song.  From the observer's perspective, he sang a powerful a capella version of "You Raised Me Up" by Josh Grobin, which seemed to reflect all kinds of emotions for both NoyNoy and the people.  It was not until reading the paper the next day did I learn that this was a last second time-filler.
• there were prayers said by three different religious people - a Catholic, a Muslim and a Protestant - the country is trying to become less Catholic-centric
• NoyNoy was sworn in by the Supreme Court Associate Justice  - he refused to be sworn in by the top Supreme Court Justice because that person's appointment by the outgoing president is considered illegal by many (ah, Philippine politics!)
• after the swearing in of the president, the people then recited the People's Oath, or Patriotic Pledge, reflecting the responsibilities of being a citizen of the Philippines.  I like that....we do have responsibilities, not just rights, as citizens of our country.  Too often we talk about what the government should be doing for us, not what we can do for....oh boy, that sounds like a speech by a US president!  Still a valid concept, though.
• next helicopters flew over the crowd, dropping yellow confetti - a real party atmosphere!
• then his speech - extremely powerful.  If you want to read the whole thing, click here.  The pressures on this man are immense, and his speech reflects his understanding of that and the changes he is going to make.  A couple highlights for me (if you don't want to read the whole thing!)
• "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."  What a heritage to live with and through.
• he speaks of the number of people who leave the Philippines for a better life elsewhere, and what a reflection of the hopeless life and future many feel here.  He ends that section asking "Has it been written that the Filipino's lot is merely to suffer?"  He continues with "Today marks the end of a regime indifferent to the appeals of the people", followed by outlines of all of the things that will change.
• he reiterates a campaign slogan of his "If no one is corrupt, no one will be poor."  I realize that seems very simple, but truly in this society, I believe that is very accurate.  The level of corruption here allowed the outgoing president to increase her wealth TEN times while she was in power.
• the ending of the speech "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." 

This new president may seem full of ideals that many have heard before, but with his heritage, I believe there is hope.  He is already showing that he means what he says.  One thing he says will end with his government is the use of sirens for government cars to push their way through traffic.  It is overused here by all sorts of people and rather annoying.  NoyNoy himself did not abuse this as he headed to the ceremony, no sirens were used and his brigade of cars stopped at all red lights as they travelled.  That in itself is a step in the right direction.  By the way, his license plate number is 1....cool, eh!

And now, the new president is being called P-Noy (instead of the formal President NoyNoy).  What is very symbolic about that is the Philippine people are called Pinoys.  Sometimes things just seem so right.