Tita Cory, Thank You!

On your first death anniversary, I remember you as the one who restored democracy and civil rights to our country. You are also a woman with great faith. Much have been written about you as president and as a private citizen. What I remember most was a time when in a house dress, you knocked at the door of your neighbor asking her to let your grandson use the swimming pool. Your surprised neighbor can’t believe that in front of her was a former president without a bodyguard who looked simple but bigger than life. Who too can forget your last days when you instructed your children to help one another in life?

Indeed they do. They pitched in for the election of your only son Noynoy to be our president. Thank you for giving us P-Noy who understands our concerns and aspirations.

Please continue to pray for our president. Continue also to pray for our country and people. You are gone but you live forever in our heart.

I have selected this poem written by Mary Elizabeth Frye for you.

DO NOT STAND AT MY GRAVE AND WEEP

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glint on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush,

I am the swift, uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there, I do not sleep.

(Do not stand at my grave and cry.

I am not there, I did not die!)

"Wangwang" (Siren) and P-Noy

We understand P-Noy (Pres. Aquino) in declining to use siren when commuting from Times St. to the presidential Palace and elsewhere where his presence is needed. He practices what he preaches. He regards himself as an ordinary citizen. There is nothing wrong with that but as head of the State; the Presidential Security Command should advice the president to reconsider his stand for his safety. Wherever he is stopped by the red light, the presidential caravan is easily identified including his white Toyota SUV where he is believed to be in. I pray that his SUV is bombproof. Stopping in the middle of the road exposes the president to unknown dangers --- a thing Filipinos surely don’t like!

I am confident that Filipinos have nothing to say if he starts installing siren in his car and his car escorts. We should not wait, God forbids, for untoward incident before P-Noy realizes that when in the streets, he must travel fast without delay but safely.

It's time for P-Noy must accept the reality that he is a president and the most powerful Filipino tasked for instituting the rebirth of the country.

That should enthuse him to practice what he preaches in some other ways except in using a siren, a privilege he is entitled to. -30-

The Aquino Presidency So Far

Pres. Noynoy Aquino is in office for a week. I say; so far, so good. Throngs of those who did not vote for the bachelor head of state has been endeared to him because of his humility, simplicity and incorruptibility.

Friends abroad expressed their surprise that P-Noy (Pres. Aquino) refuses his privilege to use siren to beat the traffic. Instead, just like any ordinary Filipino, he stops on reds at the risk of his life. I am not in favor of him doing that for his safety. I pray that Mary whom he has a great devotion to will keep him from any harm. The Aquino family has suffered too much in serving the country.

Newspapers say that he is very accommodating to the nosy press. In his first official press conference as president, he was very candid and direct to the point. Others who are concerned with the security of the country, me included, say that he is too “transparent” or open.

His young administration shows a will to close controversial issues of the Arroyo government through the creation of a Truth Commission that investigates corruption charges and other anomalies presumably done before he took office. On how successful is this, let’s give it a chance.

I should not fail to mention that since the President obeys traffic rules in an overpopulated city, he has been late in his appointments. He must do something with that and move on to change the so-called “Filipino time” into punctuality.

Another black eye of the infant Aquino administration is the early pesky relationship between the press and his cabinet. When Education Secretary Armin Luistro had an ambush interview, he turned grouchy. That prompted the Palace to require cabinet members and technocrats to undergo training on how to deal with the press.

Dealing with the press is not complicated. All they want to ask for is truth or facts aside from opinions --- nothing else.

Presidential sisters Pinky and Balsy left today for Hongkong. Immigration authorities in Manila offered to facilitate their exit but they refused special privilege. They preferred to toe the line, take off their shoes like the rest and undergo other security procedures before boarding their plane. The Aquino children have not changed. I first saw them in the limelight when their Dad Ninoy was murdered, they were humble and in low key. They are still are today.

At this early, P-Noy has a clear vision to make the country a better. He looks determined to fulfill all his campaign promises.

May he never change and may he have the wisdom and will to finally change the country for the better.

This we all hope and pray for fervently! -30-

Pres. Noynoy Aquino's Inaugural Address in English

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!

(Photo Courtesy: Philippine Star)

Benigno Simeon C Aquino, III, My President And Yours

Today is a special day with a lot of memories flashing to mind like the tumultuous journey the country took since fascist dictatorship. As the entire nation jubilates, I hope against hope that finally, after the long storm of graft and corruption, human rights violation, political patronage and misgovernment, the blessings of a new administration and leader that Filipinos waited for too long start to shine with fervor promising hope to a despairing nation.

This country and its people suffered too much from misgovernment, apathy and greed. We are a rich nation of talents and endowed with rich natural resources but the picture of the urban poor and countryside breaks the wondering heart. To accept that we are a third world country is difficult when in fact we are richer than some of our neighbors. How could this be? We are a country where the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. It is a country where social justice seems to be a thing of the past.

We cannot remain unperturbed. We either swim or sink in crossing the treacherous river of political insanity.

Hoping excessively or irrationally is foolish but it is wise to put the fate of the country into the hands of the new president who has an iron will to fulfill his campaign promises. (He has formed a Truth Commission headed by former Chief Justice Hilario Davide that will put a closure to the scandals and perceived crimes of the Arroyo government.) Yet, he cannot do it alone without the support of the entire nation and its patriotic citizens from all walks of life.

As Noynoy Aquino takes his oath of office, may he silently hear the groans of the suffering nation. May he visualize the flight of his unfortunate countrymen. At the other end, may he be given a vision on how grateful the nation will be to him if he is indeed true to his vow that he can make the Philippines much better from the past. -30-

(Photo Courtesy:  Philippine Star)

Yes We Can P-Noy!

Philippine President-elect Benigno “Noynoy” C Aquino III is about to be sworn in as the 15th president of the republic. Since his landslide victory, Filipinos hope that “P-Noy” (Pres. Noynoy Aquino) is capable in solving all the problems that beset the country or if not; at least the more imperative ones. Topping them is the endemic and massive graft and corruption, rampant violation of human rights, grinding poverty, criminality and the abuse or destruction of natural resources and environment.

Minus his pluses being born from a martyr-hero father, Ninoy and a former president mother, Cory, Noynoy is an ordinary mortal like us. He is not an incarnated god, a fairy or other make-believe characters that in a click of a finger, everything is possible. So, it is down to earth  not to have high expectations on him but rather  expectations that are doable.

There is no way that P-Noy can turn the present Philippines into a Shangri-la in six years.  To start his onerous burden, he has to turn on the engine of the government and traverse the filthy mine-laden road  his predecessor left.

Lao-tzu correctly observed that “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”.

Soon to be Pres. Noynoy Aquino metaphorically occupies a house with walls falling apart, holes on its roof. The carpet is cockroach, termite, flee and rat infested. Its air conditioning system chokes. Its water and gas lines are clogged. The foundation is ready to give way.

For sure, the house can be made over but it takes time to do the job;  probably, not even during his term.

Mrs. Arroyo, set to bear the curse of infamy, bequeathed Noynoy a country bleeding, gasping for life as brought about by the evil of political patronage, scandals, graft and corruption, violation of human rights and poverty. In fairness to Mrs. Arroyo, she was able to keep the economy afloat when world recession threatened the economy and has implemented infrastructure projects. Despite these, the citizens were not deterred in giving her a negative rating that goes for the books. Filipinos lost their trust and confidence in her at zero per cent but her worth as head of state became much worse when the people’s final approval  spiraled down to -33. Simply said, the Arroyo presidency is a failure!

Pretending to be civil, Mrs. Arroyo and her cohort  wish the incoming administration good luck and best wishes .  Such "courtesy" is more of a showmanship.  It is devoid of sincerity. Down to the twilight of her presidency, Arroyo did not have the decency in carrying midnight appointments. That may be legal but not without any personal nefarious motive. Could it be possible that at some point she feels guilty that there must be entities that can protect her from possible prosecution once she leaves office?

In 24 hours we will have a new president but it is unfortunate that  before sitting on his presidential  chair, he is already criticized.  A leftist group is set to welcome him with protest right from the vicinity of the Palace. How stupid is that?

We wait and see how Pres. Noynoy Aquino plays his role and do his function. He deserves to be given a fair chance before we  go to the streets and  cry foul to demand action.

Can Pres. Aquino do it?

Not alone as a one-man team.  Filipinos must support him and his administration so that he can transform the country into what we aspire her to be. He cannot do it alone. Yes, we can also do it in the Philippines only if there is sincerity among everybody in the government and in the private sector to join hands and move forward and not back. This we must do amidst the odds.

For too long  and too much we suffered from the hands of the greedy and nonchalant leaders who dehumanized us. We do not deserve this kind of life and government. We want the better. We are a rich nation of talents and natural resources but we are also a people of  apathy. We do not pay attention  and work  on what  our country deserves.  It took a Korean living in the country  in  pointing what is wrong with us:  "we don't love that much our country". Often times we are contented sitting at the corner expecting social graces and  blessings of political impetus instead of doing what we can no matter how mean or small to keep the country moving the right way.

Indeed, Pres. Aquino looks determined to make this country better.  We must not forget one basic fact that he is human, proned to err. Being the son of  Ninoy and Cory, it is unbelievable that he will soil their names and legacy.  Rather, he will work to etch his own image that he is the president Filipinos have waited for too long.   He has the potential to be a great president  on the condition  that he can fulfill his campaign promises  to at least  tolerable levels. True, things are easier said than done but the door of success is always  wide open.  If there is a will, there is a way.

The future has twists and turns but we hope for the best. In hoping for the best, stand up and be counted.  We work as a team and never as individuals for “united we stand; divided we fall”.  We do in unison the first step for the six-year journey.

Good luck to the Philippines, good luck to the Filipino people at home and in diaspora and good luck to Pres. Noynoy Aquino. -30-