Our 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines : Benigno Simeon Cojuangco-Aquino III

After the reign of the administration of the 14th President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for 9 years, 5 months and 10 days...now comes the 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines : His Excellency Benigno Simeon Cojuangco-Aquino III.

Winning the recent first national automated election on May 10, 2010 with about 15 million votes of the voting Filipino populace, Noynoy as he was fondly called by his family, peers and his countrymen, made his first presidential inaugural address at Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park, Manila.

More than 80 delegates from other nations and international dignitaries attended the inauguration rites.

Also present were former Philippine presidents Fidel V. Ramos and Joseph Estrada.

The traditional stepping down of incumbent president while the new president waits at the stairs of the receiving hall in Malacañan palace happened around 10:15 in the morning that saw outgoing President Arroyo stepping down while incoming President Aquino waits at the foot of the stairs.

Then the two rode in the presidential car then proceeded to the Quirino Grandstand. Trooping the line of the outgoing president followed until Mrs. Arroyo rode in her private car going to Pampanga to pledge as a congresswoman in her province (she didn't want to rest in government service).

Filipina international pop star Charice sang the Philippine National Anthem, Lupang Hinirang. Other singers, like Christian Bautista, Ogie Alcasid, Gary Valenciano, Apo Hiking Society, Nyoy Volante and the rest of the Madrigal Singer entertained the people attending the occasion. The Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra with the baton of Maestro Ryan Cayabyab entertained the spectators until the clock hit the 12:00 noon.

First, Vice President-elect Jejomar Cabawatan Binay was sworn into office then the President himself. He gave a 20-minute speech mostly in Filipino language, but also gave emphasis on important points in English for the sake of the international community.

After that, the first luncheon in Malacañan palace and first cabinet meeting was held. Most of the dishes were Japanese cuisine.

The Presidential inaugural ball was held at Quezon City Memorial Circle where the newly elected head of the state were serenaded by entertainers in the Philippine music and film iindustry.

The only son of the assasinated senator Benigno Aquino Jr. & deposed President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, President 'Noynoy' was nearly killed during the 1987coup attempt led by renegade soldier-turned senator Gregorio 'Gringo' Honasan.

He nearly lost his life when he was hit by stray bullets in the neck and hips. But he decided to gave bail to Honasan and his men and face the punishment through the court proceedings.

The first Ateneo graduate to be elected as president, at 50, Noynoy was also one of the youngest presidents since Emilio Aguinaldo, Ramon Magsaysay and Ferdinand Marcos.

When his president-mother Corazon Aquino died last year, the Liberal Party decided to let him run the presidency that he decided to give a try after a month-long contemplation.

Noynoy being an active legislator both in the Senate and House of Representatives, with a political upbringing (he's the fourth generation in the family to run for publlic office) going back to his father, grandfather and great grandfather, his personal cobwebs were cleared of the assurance of his 'yellow army' volunteers that they will help him during his campaign. And so, he won the national elections, garnering a huge support from the Protestant religion in the country.

During his presidential inaugural address, he promised that he will focus on: JUSTICE, SOCIAL REFORM, PROPER GOVERNANCE and EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES to all strata in the Philippine society. In other words, he will cut the 'red tape'in the government so that all will be given fair share in looking for jobs and launching business that he hope to prosper during his six-year term as president.

CONSULTATION and REPORTING to the ordinary citizen will be his priority. An EMERGENCY EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM will give additional jobs to more skilled workers in entire nation.

He promised to investigate and cut the so-called MIDNIGHT APPOINTMENTS in the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Although these were promised by other heads of the state, including former President Arroyo, he assured the people that he will give more priority to EDUCATION, PHILHEALTH, AFP and PNP that will implement the peace and order, and the protection of the society.

Hiring jobs abroad will be limited if there are job opportunities here in the country. He urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to prioritize the need to employ Filipinos abroad in order to avoid 'human trafficking'.

President Noynoy also call the attention of those who are talking about reconciliation. He conclude in his speech that "There can be no reconciliation without justice."

President of the Philippines (Incumbent) Assumed office June 30, 2010

Vice President Jejomar Binay (Preceded by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo)

Former Secretary of Department of Interior and Local Government Assumed office June 30, 2010 (Preceded by Ronaldo Puno, Senator of the Philippines In office

June 30, 2007 – June 30, 2010 Member of the House of Representatives from Tarlac's 2nd district (In officeJune 30, 1998 – June 30, 2007Preceded by Jose Yap Succeeded by Jose Yap )

Born February 8, 1960 (1960-02-08) (age 50)Manila, Philippines

Political party: Liberal Party

RELATIONS

Benigno Aquino, Jr. (Father)
Corazon Aquino (Mother)

Alma mater: Ateneo de Manila University

Profession : Legislator

Religion :Roman Catholicism

Website /Official website: President-elect Noynoy Aquino Official Facebook Page