Today comes the moment that nobody thought would come. The duly elected President of the Republic of the Philippines, His Excellency Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III, is sworn into office. The voices of the Filipino people which were unheard by the past regime are now in its advent of being heard and considered. The event really calls for a celebration, isn’t it? “The day conquered the night”, as a hopeful catholic would put it.
I was a first hand witness of the event. Early in the morning of June 30, I headed straight to the Manila Cathedral for the Eucharistic Celebration and press conference organized by Radio Veritas and CBCP. During the mass, Cardinal Rosales stressed that Pres. Aquino must see the situation of the common people not by statistical reports but by sight. True enough! I had a chance to visit a number of provinces in the Philippines. In the urban areas, one will know that the current TV commercial on infrastructures funded by Former President GMA was at all true. However, many places are still backward in terms of industrial development. In the far flung areas, behind the cities (call it “rural” if you like), one will get disappointed with the roads not even touched by asphalt in a backhoe, without forgetting the situation of the people living therein. In this matter alone, we will realize that statistics is at times partial. That point, however, is the same point that Cardinal Rosales requested the new president to consider.
Luneta Park was my next stop on that day. Some blocks away from the venue of the oath-taking, people could hardly find a space to walk in or even to park a vehicle. It was chock-full of people from all walks of life. Politicians, celebrities, church men, media teams, and common people walk together toward the venue. It was surprising to see!
The best part was the arrival of the incoming and outgoing Presidents to the venue riding on a single vehicle. I take it as a sign of hope for the opposites parties to unite although many explains that those were all for formality. Songs that express nationalism were rendered by chosen popular singers. The most touching song was that of Noel Cabangon that depicts the qualities of a “Mabuting Pilipino”. Cabangon made all the people, including the VIPs, stood up with their right hand raised as though swearing that they will do what the song’s lyrics state.
The oath-taking was all the more startling! Many people shouted for joy after President Aquino took the highest post in the government as expressed by his swearing in. He’s speech was mordantly delivered for the enemies of the Republic but would enliven any heart that longs for hope! I became a little emotional when I saw the new president took his first march as the president of the Republic. In my heart, I say that the long time of slavery is over! The voiceless will now be heard. It’s the moment of freedom for me and for all the Filipino people... I hope!
On one hand, I am hoping and praying that Pres. Aquino will not turn down the 15 Million people who placed him into office. On the other hand, the Filipino people (including myself) must support him not just at heart but by deeds and simple efforts to meet what we hope for.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang Pangulong Noynoy!
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