Today, June 30, 2010, the Philippine National Elections concludes with the inauguration of the new Philippine President Noynoy Aquino and Vice President Jejomar Binay. Everyone has been anticipating this day as most Filipinos are hoping for a better Philippines in the new administration. June 30 was declared as a special non-working holiday for the event and it has been a pretty long day.
President Aquino started out from his home in Quezon City in the morning and went to pick up outgoing president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He also visited the portrait of her mom, former President Corazon Aquino, while at the Malacanang Palace. They then headed for the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the inaugural rites. There, a salute was made for the outgoing president and she was accompanied to her vehicle as a symbol of her stepping down from office. After their arrival, Vice President Jejomar Binay arrived in a green jeep.
There was a sea of people and it’s probably one of the biggest gatherings of people at the Quirino Grandstand. There were lots of guests which include former presidents Fidel V. Ramos and Joseph Estrada. Outgoing Vice President Noli De Castro was also present in the event as well as the current Chief Justice Renato Corona and other notable personalities.
There were a couple of performances on stage such as Charice Pempengco’s singing of the Philippine National Anthem as well as the UP Madrigal Singers’ presentation. The Apo Hiking Society, Jim, Buboy and Danny also sang. They were among the most famous artists during the time of President Corazon Aquino.
Aside from the guests and the performances, the people focused on the inauguration rites. Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile read the proclamation, duly noted by him and House Speaker Nograles, of Noynoy Aquino and Jejomar Binay as the Present and Vice President respectively. After that, Vice President Jejomar Binay took oath followed by President Noynoy Aquino. President Aquino made a strong point. “Kayo ang boss ko.” It’s translated as “You (the people) are my boss.”
As expected, they took oath from Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales to lessen further confusion and debates about the appointment of Chief Justice Corona. They made their speeches and are now officially the President and Vice President of the Philippines.
The day did not end there. After the official inauguration at the Quirino Grandstand, a street party was held at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City to celebrate President Noynoy Aquino’s inauguration. Since there’s no work for most people, a lot of them went to the event with their family and friends and had fun. There were lots of performers and the night became livelier when President Aquino finally arrived.
It has been a really long election period with tons of controversies and shocking events. But it’s all over now. Our main concern must be geared towards the improvement of the country to stand among the most improved and competitive countries in the world.
Source:
GMA Channel 7
24 Oras – prime time news, June 10, 2010
Special Inauguration Coverage
