MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino vowed yesterday to defeat the enemies of the state through good governance to improve the lives of ordinary Filipinos.
“We shall defeat the enemy by wielding the tools of justice, social reform and equitable governance leading to a better life,” he said.
“Sa tamang pamamahala gaganda ang buhay ng lahat, at sa buhay na maganda, sino pa ang gugustuhing bumalik sa panahon ng pang-aapi (Through good governance we will provide a better life for all, and with a better life, who would want to return to the old system of oppression)?”
Mr. Aquino said soldiers and policemen will be provided with better benefits to make them more efficient in defending the state.
“Palalakasin at palalaguin natin ang bilang ng ating kasundaluhan at kapulisan, hindi para tugunan ang interes ng mga naghahari-harian, nguni’t para proteksyunan ang mamamayan (We will improve and strengthen the lot of our soldiers and police, not to further the interests of the mighty but to protect the citizenry),” he said.
He noted that they put their lives on the line for the peace and security of the citizenry, and although the country’s population had doubled, the military and police ranks have not increased in number. “Hindi tama na ang nagmamalasakit ay kinakawawa (It is not right that they are oppressed).”
Mr. Aquino said peace talks with various rebel groups will be resumed under his administration.
“My government will be sincere in dealing with all the people of Mindanao,” he said.
“We are committed to a peaceful and just settlement of conflicts, inclusive of the interests of all – may they be Lumads, Bangsamoro or Christian.”
He said that together, we can establish a society of equal opportunity if everyone fulfills his role and responsibility.
Maj. Rosendo Armas, Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command spokesman, said conflicts cannot be solved by combat operations alone.
“Insurgency cannot be addressed solely through fighting,” he said. “We are assisting in the delivery of basic services and in implementing local projects. These programs will continue.”
Armas said incoming Armed Forces chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo David has successfully implemented civil-military operations as Northern Luzon Command chief.
“We played non-traditional military roles,” he said. “We engaged in activities like medical and civil action programs. We also did engineering works.”
Maj. Eugenio Osias IV, Armed Forces civil relations chief, said ensuring the availability of basic services in the countryside would weaken the influence of rebel groups.
Aquino honored at Malacañang
Mr. Aquino received his first arrival honors at Malacañang yesterday.
He was escorted by Col. Jonas Sumagaysay, predecessor of his chosen Presidential Security Group (PSG) chief Col. Ramon Mateo Dizon.
The turnover ceremony between Sumagaysay and Dizon would take place today, according to the PSG.
Mr. Aquino arrived at the Palace a little before 1 p.m., after his oath taking at the Quirino Grandstand.
He joined his siblings and their children inside the Premier Guest House across the Palace for an official photograph.
His honor guards and guests waited at the lawn.
After the picture taking, Mr. Aquino was given a 21-gun salute as the new commander-in-chief. At the Palace, Mr. Aquino posed for pictures in front of the portrait of his mother, President Corazon Aquino, before proceeding to a working lunch.
Mr. Aquino administered the oaths of office to his Cabinet members and over 200 local government officials before convening his first Cabinet meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room. – With Alexis Romero, Marvin Sy