Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III has no illusions about why he is being sworn in today as the 15th President of the Philippine Republic. It wasn’t because of competence, he said in a TV interview shortly after his imminent victory was announced by the Commission on Elections. Rather, it was because voters saw him as the opposite, in many ways, of his predecessor, who leaves office today as the most unpopular president since Ferdinand Marcos.
While it was another candidate who campaigned on a platform of competence and intelligence, competence is now expected of Noynoy Aquino as he takes the nation’s helm. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo did not ask for the presidency in 2001, but she was expected to fight the corruption that led to the downfall of her predecessor. The expectation is higher in the case of Benigno Aquino III because he campaigned on a platform of battling corruption. He was not the only candidate who promised to do this, and to prosecute the corrupt in the Arroyo administration. But because of his illustrious parents, he was the one perceived to be the most qualified to deliver on his campaign promise.
That most basic of public expectations of his presidency could also prove to be the most difficult to meet. But as long as he stays the course, he will enjoy the support of the millions who voted for him.
Another basic expectation is that he will become the leader of a nation, and not just of certain factions or interest groups. Even as his government goes after the corrupt and pursues justice for the many victims of human rights violations in the outgoing administration, Benigno Aquino III will also have to be a unifying force, healing wounds wherever possible.
His father is remembered for sacrificing his life in the name of freedom; his mother, for nurturing democracy and restoring decency in public service. Benigno Aquino III vowed to voters that he would never betray the legacy of his parents. He is expected to always bear in mind that public office is a public trust.