Many of you may have been glued to your radio or television to hear or watch the oath-taking of Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, 15th President of the Philippines. In fact, the hype over the preparations, including the gowns of the Aquino sisters and Shalani Soledad, has been building to a crescendo over the past days — on media, on Twitter, on Facebook, in blogs.
The excitement didn’t touch me. And I would have waited for the actual governance part before saying anything about Noynoy Aquino. It’s his performance, after all, that should concern me as a citizen — not his personal life. Not even how much influence his sister Kris wields over him and his decision-making. Until the influence manifests in the implementation of government policies, their relationship is their personal business.
But then I just read Noynoy’s inaugural address and all my reservations about him is beginning to reach nightmare proportions. He is still playing up the larger-than-life status of his father and mother, starting and ending his address with references to them, his ties to them and just how “big” they are in the history of this country.
My goodness, Noynoy, you are the President now. Are you still not secure in your own identity that you have to keep referring to them? Oh, true, the mere mention of their names evokes emotions that bring tears to the eyes of many. But do you really have to resort to that to convince us that, now that you have been elected and sworn in, you can actually do the job? Can’t you be more than what your mother was who spent the first three years of her administration delivering speeches — including an address to the joint houses of the U.S. Congress — that did little else but glorify her dead husband?
“I am like you,” you say. But you are not. You are still a part of the landed elite that is at the core of the defective economic system of this country. You never knew the fear of losing a job and not knowing where your next meal or rent or mortgage payment will come from. You never experienced the terrible education in public elementary and high schools. You never had to endure the life of a commuter. You never had to worry about prohibitive electric bills.
You are obviously referring to the Arroyo administration when you talk about “a regime indifferent to the appeals of the people.” What do you call your mother’s own administration during which the agrarian reform program was brazenly re-written so that your family would not lose Hacienda Luisita? Your uncle authored the amendment and your mother signed the law.
Mr. Aquino — President Aquino — I have read through your inaugural address twice and found no mention of genuine agrarian reform. Do you really want us to believe that “there will be security for farmers” simply by eliminating fertilizer scams and middlemen?
I am happy for those who feel there is cause for celebration today. A happy feeling is always something good that can lead to better things. And I have to admit that I part of the celebration too — I celebrate because President Aquino was wise and brave enough not to give in to pressures to appoint the Vice President as Secretary of the Interior and Local Government. Hurray! for that. At least he is not making the same mistake that his mother did in giving Mr. Binay a plum position in government just because he stayed close to her side because he was so sure that she would prevail over Marcos and she would be in power.
No, I am not writing you off, President Aquino. You still represent change, as minute as it may seem at this point. How far reaching your idea of change is, we still have to see. I am not optimistic but I have nothing to lose in being hopeful.
I like what you wrote, but I would like to be optimistic about our new president. He probably mention his parents achievement to make us recall the sacrifices that they made. And maybe to be more forgiving to him.
Ok na nga that his campaign was built on them — sige na, strategy na para manalo. But now that he has been sworn in, aba, maglubay-lubay na sya.
one word, Connie – AMEN.
That is President Noynoy's perpetual Achilles' heel, agrarian reform and Hacienda Luisita.
Yep, and his mother's biggest failure too. Until the entire family can shake off the landowner mentality, not one of them can speak about real change in favor of the many.
Any proposals on land reform?
Wasn't too excited to catch it on streaming links from where i am also. Despite the rah-rah chant for change and all the accompanying hullabaloo, methinks a lot of people actually only wanted to see if James Yap would attend or not.
Well he didn't, which pretty much means he has detached himself from this whole thing.
Reading the inaugural speech earlier, I think President Noynoy has had a bad experience with cars with wang-wang's; seeing that it got mentioned quite a few number of times.
Wang-wang!!!!!!
I couldn't take it that people were actually talking about whether Kris would wear a sleeveless gown or not.
I'm suspecting that Kris (or Chrissie) was the one who have composed his unpresidential speech or has influenced what the writer has prepared for him.
First time I've observed Noynoy for an extended period. His poise has confirmed my worry that he's really an indecisive and tentative person.
At any rate, as you've commented in this post –
"No, I am not writing you off, President Aquino. You still represent change, as minute as it may seem at this point. How far reaching your idea of change is, we still have to see. I am not optimistic but I have nothing to lose in being hopeful."
I, also, can face a reality.
One can always dream.
yah..ur ryt!!
channeling mom and dad over and over again.. mag hire kaya cya ng ispiritista.. daming I will statements ng speech ni P-Noy i dont wanna count na..
One of his sisters was interviewed in the news. She was talking about a close friend who had a dream about Cory and she seemed happy. My goodness… is that relevant at all? And we all know how his sisters are taking such an active part in his administration.
if you happen to be a daughter of famous and great people in the history, and you are now also becoming a part of that history, would you not include them in one of your very important speeches? i wonder why you wouldn't…
would you rather listen to an incoming president who does not have any "I will" statements or plan for the country?
just a piece of my thought.
Because relationship is irrelevant. It's his program and capacity that's relevant.
i don't agree. noy will not make his decisions in a vacuum. his family and friends will surely influence the programs he institutes and his capacity.
And that's not a good thing.
I'll wait and see but want to be optimistic. Noynoy is not a superman or a miracle worker but I will pray that he will succeed because his success is the country's success as well.
i agree with you viel.
I also don't like the cheesy "I'm one of you" touches that they've been publicizing — the quesong puti & pan de sal, PNoy (Pinoy?), etc.
something is very wrong in the picture… oh yes, Erap is there! Makes me want to throw up.
because he's still a past philippine president.
Take note though that Erap's people are saying just because he attended the inauguration doesn't mean he won't pursue his electoral protest. Duh!
And just because he's not behind bars doesn't mean he's not a crook anymore.
Perhaps a law removing title and privileges befitting a former President if he/she were proven to have committed a crime?
But a bill does not become a law until the President signs it. What President would sign a law like that — they all have skeletons to hide.
Wasn't very excited about his inauguration either. And while many people liked his speech, I didn't. He gave too much credit where it isn't due by again making his parents look like heroes when in fact they didn't really do anything besides nurture their hero complexes. Besides, I didn't like the fact that he seems to be starting his administration on such a hateful and vengeful note. Anger could only take you so far; genuine love for this country is what will make a difference. And he made so many references to social injustice, as if his mother's administration and his family are not guilty of it. Hello Mendiola massacre and failed agrarian reform, not to mention the kamag-anak inc which took the place of the Marcos cronies. When he began appointing people who supported his campaign to his cabinet, most of whom are old friends and classmates, it made me wonder how different his cabinet will be from that of past governments. Oh and I'm still not over the fact that he appointed Dr. Ona as DOH secretary; he who encourages the selling of kidneys to those who need it for transplant. Ugh.
Yes, a lot of those in the audience and perhaps those who were not there liked his speech. I even would say that those audiences were booing GMA in most of the times of the transition or inauguration program.
If I'm not mistaken, he has taken a more than twenty minutes to finish his speech. And I thought that he was still on a campaign mode.
I am hoping for the best and at the same time will not expect much.
I agree with you, he has to address Luisita once and for all. otherwise, everything is just sweet talk.
This is just my observation, why can't we have a simple inauguration instead? i mean, prime ministers from London, Japan, down to Australia have simple swearing in rites and that's about it! back to business . no frills or tacky performances on stage. i just don't get our penchant for things grand and flashy when we are supposed to be modest and frugal in our spending given the budget deficit?
and much as I don't like pgma, jeering her as she troop the line is uncalled for. i mean hating her for what she did does not give us the license to be rude diba? again this is just me thinking.
Thank you for shaking me out of the euphoria from yesterday's event. Now my views are balanced and I can sleep well.
He really should stop playing the my-parents-are-heroes card though. Good genes don't make a president. Diosdado Macapagal was nicknamed "The Incorruptible" but look what his daughter turned out to be.
On the bright side, I'm glad Raul Gonzales is no longer Justice Secretary.
Should one be held accountable for the crimes and misdemeanors of their parents/ancestors or adult children?
No, but I wasn't holding Macapagal accountable for GMA's wrongdoings. My point was that having honest, morally upright parents doesn't make one honest and morally upright as well.
Last time I checked, GMA has not been convicted of any corruption or any wrongdoing crimes. Of course, there are lots of allegations and I'm sure you know the meaning of allegation.
Care to share us anything you know that is fact based?
Yep, I know that all we have against GMA are allegations. Her father's "incorruptibility" isn't categorically true, either. But there's no denying the collective anger the people feel towards her — the SWS satisfaction surveys can attest to that. Things like the journalist murders in November shouldn't have to happen under a good administration — not that I'm holding GMA directly accountable for that, but there have been more media killings under her rule than anyone else's. Again, my point is that just because your parents were good leaders doesn't mean you would be.
P.S. I made a conscious effort to sound polite in my last post and I don't think I deserved a sarcastic reply, Mr. Trosp.
Well I hope I'm not sarcastic with these –
You commented (mine are in enclosed parenthesis):
o Her father’s “incorruptibility” isn’t categorically true, either
(What is the magnitude? Any example that is verifiable?)
o But there’s no denying the collective anger the people feel towards her — the SWS satisfaction surveys can attest to that.
(Is it? Or you're just basing it on what our bias media is circulating? Or perhaps, you've a personal dislike? What qualifies collective anger? 40% of Filipino adults according to the local survey believes that Cupid is real. Are you among them? Is the result of that survey convincing?).
o Things like the journalist murders in November shouldn’t have to happen under a good administration — not that I’m holding GMA directly accountable for that, but there have been more media killings under her rule than anyone else’s.
(GMA can has caused it? You commented that there is more media killing under her rule than any one's else. Can you cite a fact based reference. You might also consider quantity against quality.)
o Again, my point is that just because your parents were good leaders doesn’t mean you would be.
(And that does one make you feel good commenting without showing a convincing relationship. You want the readers just to agree with you because in your perception, survey says that GMA is corrupt. The way I see it, you're mind is a made up one already.)
o P.S. I made a conscious effort to sound polite in my last post and I don’t think I deserved a sarcastic reply, Mr. Trosp.
(Would I care with one being sarcastic? What I would care is if one is logically explaining his/her comment. If not, you can just explain it as an opinion instead of commenting it as if it is a fact.)
So GMA didn't cause such things as media killings. Let's even throw in the towel, and say that her family NEVER stole anything. (Let's assume these things as true, FOR THE SAKE OF DISCUSSION.)
In my *opinion,* good governance is not only about what you did, but also what you DONT allow to happen. The fact that these evils exist indicate that there is something wrong with the system.
GMA, being the top executive and chief of the armed forces, should have known these things–and should have stopped them from happening. That she is "just an individual who cannot change the world" (as her supporters are wont to do), does not reduce the burden of her responsibility.
Or we could just throw around lines like "no one was proven guilty of anything, thus we could deny that it happened."
So what really has happened if we can have a reference for a discussion? Give the readers the readers the link for the reference and not just what you say so.
How can one challenge it?
Very hard for you to be specific?
And what happened that was denied by who?
Just say that you're saying it as is your opinion. Without putting up any facts, it is still an opinion.
Jeez…
Marvin, I agree. Filipinos have this penchant for star-studded anything. And I'm tempted to ask whose money was spent on the street party at QMC last night.
June, re Raul Gonzales: Amen!
Re: I am like you. Maybe he's trying to do an Obama and try to make people feel he's just like any other citizen. Which he is sooo not.
Re: Continued reference to Cory and Ninoy. Part of me thinks that the people need to hear it more than he needs to bring it up. It also affirms that that familial association is the only reason he became a president.
However, I did like how he explicitly mentioned that he did NOT intend or plan to become a president. (For the longest time, the guy avoided the limelight like the plague.)
I kinda got the implied message: I'll do what I can, but at the end of this, remember that you people thrust me into this position.
He didn't get thrust into it without his consent. It was he who signed the certificate of candidacy and he did campaign.
The way I see it, he is so Obamaesque when he was campaigning. I hope he would not be like Obama after he was elected.
I agree with his priority to eliminate graft and corruption which I think the root cause of all the evils in our society. But not his taking it personally (gigil na gigil) that he would like a special commission dedicated to investigate GMA's corruption.
I do, however, also agree with that so that once and for all, the public will know if there are evidences that can be used as probable cause to prosecute her.
But then consider my thinking aloud –
o What if that commission did not materialize? Does it mean he has just used that issue for his campaign?
o What if that commission can't find any anything that can stand in court as evidence for her corruption? Remember that she was previously cleared by the house investigative committee of corruption allegations. Di gulo na naman. Sasabihin, niluto na naman.
I'd like to add this unsolicited advise.
To President Noy: Be very alarmed when Dinky Soliman starts to lead the other cabinet members in serenading you with this Diana Rose hit song, "If we hold on together…"
HAHAHAHAHA True, true!
Sepia, I remember that song. I was there when they sang that to pgma.
As a migrant worker, we have hopes for the country. I think his inaugural speech is politically biassed but I hope to hear his clear platform on uncontrolled population, pollution, education and debt on his SONA.
"…his mother did in giving Mr. Binay a plum position in government just because he stayed close to her side because he was so sure that she would prevail over Marcos and she would be in power."
not a fan of noy nor binay, though i'm also giving them a chance. but the above statement is, hmm, unfair. it's easy to make that statement in hindsight, but when binay started helping out in 1978 during the original laban campaign, victory was far from certain as the darkness of martial still permeated our land. it was probably only in 1984 that we could see the end of marcos coming soon, what with the opposition victories in the parliamentary elections of that year and the rapid increase in strength of the insurgency movement. it was only in the middle of 85 that cory was seen as our alternative to marcos because she represented everything that marcos was not. so in other words, binay stuck close to the aquinos way before it became sure she would prevail over marcos. as a matter of fact, he supported them even way BEFORE she became our light against the dictatorship. just setting things straight and keeping it real.
And political utang na loob made him qualified?
Pres Noy is certainly not one of us!!! Those things that you cited–not knowing where your next meal will come from, not having the chance to study, not having to go thru the nightmare of commuting, etc, he never experienced any of those!
He & his mother have so much in common, foremost of which is being thrust into power because they happen to be related to Benigno Aquino, Jr. (who according to F Sionil Jose, was a son of a Japanese collaborator).
I too was one of the millions who watched the inauguration on tv yday, yet I couldn't keep myself glued to it… wasn't sure if I was watching a variety show or a presidential inauguration (some even asked if they were watching Eat Bulaga or Wowoweee). Sorry to say this, but the organizers are talagang utak masa. Those song numbers, to me, went overboard. Kailangan ba talaga to keep the masses entertained to make sure that they stay the whole time? It was those song numbers that made the whole program dragging and long in the first place! Because the actual turnover ceremony, the oath-taking & even the speech was over in about 45 min!
I am so willing to be proven wrong about how Pres Aquino will perform. I am so willing to forget his lackluster performance as a Senator if only he will fulfill his campaign promises and for goodness sake, step out of the shadow of his mother and father and baby sister!
"Benigno Aquino, Jr. (who according to F Sionil Jose, was a son of a Japanese collaborator)"
What is the point to this implication?
That people like to play up what's "good" and not mention what can harm one's image.
there is nothing fair about agrarian reform, implemented or not.
The best thing with yesterday (aside from it being a holiday) was the free LRT and MRT rides. I took advantage of it and went to places I won't go to on a regular day (Monbumento, Quiapo, Balintawak) and shopped. I think I rode it more than 6 times. Ang laki ng savings for a commuter like me.
Connie, you mentioned a few posts ago about an idea from your college days on how to improve Pilipinas, and decided that it was a bad theory. To be sure, it is radical, but not altogether without merit. I'm telling you, your model is what Pilipinas need – a revolutionary leader! Now set aside the isolationism angle for a moment (even I admit that's extreme). But facing the complex problems we face today ( a couple of which you recently covered here at HoaH), wouldn't you agree the courses of action and the person taking them on need to be more decisive? Forget Laissez-Faire. Democratic style is good, but if you don't know the country's problems, or if you do and have no basic plan on how to solve them, then you've no business running for office. This leaves us with Authoritarian, albeit a well-tempered one. A lot of people seem to think Aquino III is not.
Any takers?
I like Plato's philosopher-king.
My take –
The model will be the first three or four months of martial law in our country under Marcos rule. For me, first time I've seen something that is different. Crime was in its lowest and that was enough for me for a start.
Even Singapore's prime minister adapted it with a successful result.
One has just to revisit and study it. What went wrong (the abuse). How to sustain it (if there is no abuse).
What bothers me is – will it take to have martial law again?
I like it that you said- " I am not optimistic but I have nothing to lose in being hopeful."
Let's stop fooling ourselves: corruption has existed for ALL OF HUMAN HISTORY.
Kung ang Diyos nga di kayang pigilan ang mga tao na corrupt, si Noynoy pa kaya!
It's not pessimism. It's reality.
Why can't we give this elected guy a chance? I'm for one is his major critic.
But there is a word we call "reality".
Let's be helpful.
I agree. Like it or not, and no matter what religion — any religion — says, corruption is part of human nature. Some can control it, others give in to it with total abandon.
Does the statement "pana-panahon lang yan" ring a bell here?
This A is a troll?
Nope. He's a regular reader.
If you mean those adorable dolls from the 80's and 90's with the campy pink hair, then maybe I qualify as one :p
Sass, my bad if I'm sometimes not very through in reading your blog. Though I'm not reading any local blogs at this time with the exception of PhilStar comments.
Please accept my apology A.
Oh it's ok :p Comments on the internet can be misconstrued so easily.
Aquino's speech was just a rehash of his campaign speeches. Nothing new.
My big question is "at 50 years old why is P-noy not married or engaged or already with plans to tie the knot"?
I mean the youngest of quality presidentiables was Gibo he's 45 but he has a wife.
Maybe… Hes…
Fishy fishy in the brook. ^^
It's just cultural expectations that say "normal" people ought to be married at a certain age. Marriage is a choice. I don't think it's fair to insinuate that there's something wrong with any middle aged person who's not married.
Or that being gay is something to snicker about with a "fishy look."
Agree.
So insecure that the minute he got wind of his victory, he surrounded himself with his classmates. My husband said, obviously, he was a nobody in academics, and now parang he's saying, look, i did it!. Even the way he's been flaunting the greetings of other leaders from across the globe–we wanted to shout at the TV, dios ko naman, elected ka na, who cares if they congratulate you or not?
Is it starting to look like an Ateneo administration?
I love the debate here .
Just a few thoughts….
He mentioned his mum and dad because their names give his presidency some legitimacy , though the only legitimacy it requires is to have come about in a free and fair election .
The mention of a dream in which his mum appears happy , that's because it plays so well with many ordinary Filipinos .
Trosp , lighten up especially on June , not everything you have written is backed up by stats or verified sources . Just chill .
Jeng , there is no form of benevolent dictatorship , history is littered with untold examples of the damage any for of dictatorship causes . Democracy is flawed yes , but I like to think of it as a work in progress .
Maybe a more fitting inauguration would be a joint sitting of both houses , a few invited guests , no show biz etc , quiet and dignified as befits the occasion .
Married or unmarried , you elect the person not their spouse .
"you elect the person not their spouse"
Precisely why I think that First Ladies (or Gentlemen or Sisters or whatever) ought not to have any official functions. At all.
I agree with you 100% Ms C . If you aren't elected you have no function , unless you work in the civil service . I also have a problem with the concept of " First Lady/Gentleman/etc " . Once again its the person elected that earns the title . And anyway the only First Lady in my life is my mum .
When I think of the late Eva Peron (and, in so many ways, Imelda Marcos), I shudder.
In fact, the practice of calling the President's family the First Family attributes a monarchial characteristic to the set-up. A "royal" family with titles and privileges for the duration of the President's "rule."
It's ironic to think that the head of your republic and their family has more power , real , earned , imagined or just taken , than for example the British royal family . the ancient idea of ' Noblese Oblige " is alive and well in the minds of many a Filipino politician .
What a great pair ! Eva and Imelda . I still cant believe that any member of the Marcos family can be elected . That makes me shudder !
@Mark
"Trosp , lighten up especially on June , not everything you have written is backed up by stats or verified sources . Just chill ."
Care to share us which of my comments bothers you?
As I've commented before which pertains specifically to you, everybody has the right to be clueless, just don't abuse it.
You sound like someone I've known before in this same blog.
No particular comment Trosp , just the manner in which you approach the person you are commenting on . And the to best of my knowledge I have never met you before .
@Mark
"No particular comment Trosp , just the manner in which you approach the person you are commenting on"
Now I'm the clueless one…
I do however will not abuse the right to be clueless.
Though i am not voting Pres. Noynoy for president, i am still hopeful for the changes he wanted to do on his new administration. But why is it that there are no changes on the labor sector? What i mean is that some companies here in cebu specially those owned & operated by foreigners. Our company is 100% owned by British. Since 2008 our sss/phic/pag-ibig were not paid or remitted. Right now also we don't have our salaries starting May 31, 2010. We already made a complaint. However until now there is no action from the government. We are all sick on this situation. Can somebody made an investigation on this matter.
Thanks.