By Stephen Lillie
British Ambassador to Manila
While World Cup fever grips most of the globe, the world's 12th largest country is a largely football-free zone. Instead, the sports pages of the Philippine press are dominated by the LA Lakers and Boston Celtics as people tune into the NBA basketball finals in the US.
But the real story of the moment here isn't sports at all. It's the preparations for Senator Benigno Aquino III to be sworn in as the Philippines' next president on 30 June. "Noynoy," as he is popularly known, won by a landslide in the country's first automated elections on 10 May. Overseas Filipino voters in the UK turn out to have been among his strongest supporters, with over 60 percent voting for him.
Expectations of Noynoy are high, especially as he's the son of two towering former figures in Philippine politics. His father Ninoy Aquino led the opposition to martial law before being assassinated in 1983. His mother Cory Aquino restored democracy when she became president in the peaceful People Power Revolution of 1986.
Noynoy has no shortage of tasks to attend to. I met him recently together with the other EU ambassadors in Manila. He set out clearly his priorities: tackling corruption, fixing the budget deficit, and creating new employment opportunities. And he was clear about wanting to end the long-running armed conflict in the southern Philippines. This is an area where the UK is already helping. Since the end of 2008 the British Embassy in Manila has been sharing experiences with the Philippine government and the main rebel group (the MILF) from our experience of peace-building in Northern Ireland.
None of these goals will be easily achieved. But there is undoubtedly a sense of change in the air, and of renewed optimism about the future: the start of a new political era in the Philippines.
MY PRESIDENT
JUNE 30, 2010
Today is Noynoy Aquino’s inauguration day as the new President of the Philippine Republic. It is not only an occasion of victory but it is Noynoy’s most sacred oath, a dedication and consecration under God to the highest office in service of the Filipino people.
Now, the ever-increasing burdens are in his shoulder, the Filipino people has spoken, giving him the mandate for a real change.
Nevertheless, WE, the Filipino people have contributed to the recovery and progress of the nation. The recent election proves that democracy works and Noynoy’s victory has given a renewed hope and courage to all who have faith in government. But we should keep an eye on him, his action, especially the people that surrounds him, in other words we will guard him from the devil’s whispers and the wicked hands.
Today is a very important day, I am proud to be part of the new era of Philippine democracy, I am so proud I voted Noynoy as My President.
In his tenure….
My President…
WILL re-establish the vigor and effectiveness of law enforcement and entire machinery of justice, the redistribution of its functions, the simplification of its procedure, the better selection of judges, and the more effective organization of our agencies of investigation and prosecution that justice may be sure and that it may be swift. Reform, reorganization and strengthening the whole judicial and enforcement system, both in civil and criminal system.
My President ….
WILL upgrade the teachers’ salary scale and amend the current system of budgeting for education across the regions. Rebuild and modernize our school buildings to assure students can attend schools that are modern, safe, and well-equipped for learning.
My President…
WILL launch a new national effort to provide basic skills in the newest technology so that Filipinos regardless of income, parents, children, or with disability, people in all walks of life - should be able to reach across a computer keyboard, and reach the vast new worlds of knowledge, commerce, and communication that are available at the touch of a fingertip.
My President…
WILL uplift the country’s economic downturn and create jobs that will provide equal opportunities for all Filipinos with no barriers born of bigotry or discrimination.
My President…
WILL eradicate corruption, once and for all, and ending corruption means freeing all Filipinos from poverty and all must share in the bounty of a revived economy.
My President….
WILL prioritize peace in Muslim Mindanao, the peace of justice, the peace of righteousness but not peace at war. There will be a continuing genuine talks of peace, because without peace – there is fear and if there is fear – there will never be a future in Mindanao.
My President….
WILL be a commander in chief that will never mislead us into war but never hesitate to use force when it is required. A commander in chief that is strong and dignified on his decision and will appoint a Defense Secretary and Army, Air Force and Navy’s Chief of Staff that upholds the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and not under the command of any politicians.
My President….
WILL transform a strong, flexible, and modern military force to guarantee our physical survival and the protection of our interests and values. Give more incentives to our soldiers, such as housing and free education for their children.
My President…
WILL demand hard evidence to those accused of subversion and reform the military and its intelligence arm – so policy is guided by facts, and facts are never distorted by politics. Make sure that our justice system must guarantee fairness with procedures that protect the rights of the accused.
My President….
WILL value what’s right for every Filipino family. He cared for our children because he believes in the family value of caring for our children and protecting the neighborhoods where they walk and play. And make sure that senior citizens never have to cut their pills in half because they can’t afford life-saving medicine.
My President….
WILL prioritized investment in technology and innovation, alternative fuels or energy that will create good-paying jobs in the future. Strengthening small business as a vital component of economic innovation, job creation, and supporting entrepreneurship.
My President….
WILL not treat its people as an export commodity and a means to earn foreign exchange, but instead create and keep good paying jobs at home, so that working abroad will be a choice rather than a necessity;
My President….
WILL work side by side with masons, carpenters, laborers, developers and housing giants to help create decent and affordable housing for every Filipino family.
My President….
WILL give opportunity to create a rural renewal in our country’s farms with improved transportation and infrastructure, better access to capital and technology, reduced concentration in agribusiness, and an expansion of new markets for our crops, and strengthening our ability to compete in world markets.
My President….
WILL negotiate trade agreements with the nations of the world and should include overseas Filipino workers rights, human rights and ensure labor protection and worker safety at site.
My President…
WILL break up the drug rings that are spreading poison on our streets. Give more teeth to our drug law enforcement agencies, courts, to speed justice for drug-related crimes and expand drug treatment centers for at-risk youth; and make sure that all of our school zones are drug-free.
My President….
WILL make sure that there is child care facilities in every barangay’s and improving the safety and quality of child care centers, in ensuring that children start school ready to read.
My President…
WILL work for free air country and make sure to reduce or eradicate climate-disrupting and health-threatening pollution in this country and make sure that our country will participate in world free air campaign.
My President…
WILL strengthen our alliances and partnerships around the world more particularly in Asia that would intensify our strategic cooperation with our neighboring countries. Support democracy in Asia to promoting fair trade and promote hemispheric cooperation on a full spectrum of political, economic, security and social issues.
Yes, my friends, He is MY PRESIDENT!
and it’s a time for wonderful new beginning..
A new Administration…
A new era of greatness for Filipinos….
We observe today the inauguration of Noynoy’s victory, a celebration of freedom–symbolizing an end as well as a beginning–signifying renewal as well as change.
I and the Filipino people believed in YOU – MR. PRESIDENT!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Manuel “Bong” Amora
Convenor
OFW4Noy24President Movement
(OFW for Noynoy for President Movement)
http://ofw4noy24president.wordpress.com/
I have not read or heard about the President's stand on Drug abuse, proliferation and smuggling in the country. Last I checked, Drug Labs, Shabu Tiague, Drug 'Sari-sari Stores' abound and banged-up users freely roam the streets.
Can any one share his vision on this? thanks