Benigno Aquino III sworn in as new Philippine president, promises to fight graft and poverty

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Benigno Aquino III sworn in as Philippine leader

MANILA, Philippines — Benigno Aquino III, sworn in Wednesday as the Philippines’ 15th president, promised to prosecute the corrupt and banish poverty as he urged Filipinos to help him in a job he likened to a biblical burden.

The son of two Philippine democracy icons, Aquino, 50, succeeds Gloria Macapagal Arroyo whose stormy nine-rule was rocked by four failed coup attempts and allegations of corruption, vote-rigging and human rights abuses, which she denied.

Some 500,000 attended Aquino’s oath-taking at a seaside park in the capital Manila, police said. Aquino aimed his speech at the many Filipinos exasperated at the Southeast Asian country’s enduring problems, that also include decadeslong Islamic and communist insurgencies.

“This day marks the end of a leadership that has long been insensitive to the suffering of the people … and this is the beginning of my own Calvary,” Aquino said, referring to Christ’s crucifixion. “But if many of us bear the cross, we will lift it, no matter how heavy.”

Aquino, wearing a native formal shirt and speaking in Tagalog, promised to fight corruption, particularly in the notoriously graft-ridden bureaus of customs and internal revenues. He pledged to bring a new era of good governance, reforms and a bureaucracy that will be sensitive to the plight of the common folk.

“He signifies change and hope,” said businesswoman Marivic Roy, who joined the crowds at the inauguration, accompanied by her husband and two sons. “That’s why people gravitate toward him. We feel there is hope for this country.”

In a widely applauded portion of his speech, Aquino said he also suffered in the past like ordinary Filipinos when he got stuck in heavy traffic as convoys with loud sirens and carrying powerful people breezed by. “No more wang-wang,” he said, referring to the local word for blaring sirens.

Diplomats from more than 80 countries and two former Philippine presidents — Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada — attended Wednesday’s ceremonies. East Timor President Jose Ramos Horta, a longtime supporter of the Aquino family, was among the foreign dignitaries.

The nationally televised event resembled a grand concert with celebrity singers and an orchestra belting out patriotic music and folk songs. Yellow confetti — the signature color of Corazon Aquino in the people power uprising — rained from two helicopters. Vice President Jejomar Binay was sworn in before Aquino took his oath.

“I can forgive those who did me wrong, but I have no right to forgive those who abused our people,” Aquino said.

The Cabinet he unveiled Tuesday has mostly Aquino allies and defectors from Arroyo’s government. Aquino said he would immediately form an independent commission to investigate corruption allegations against Arroyo and other scandals under her term.

“They will as necessary prepare and prosecute the cases to make sure those who committed crimes against the people will be made to pay,” Aquino said, adding the commission will be headed by a respected retired chief justice, Hilario Davide.

His new Cabinet unveiled Tuesday has mostly Aquino allies and defectors from Arroyo’s government. Aquino said he would immediately form an independent “Truth Commission” to investigate corruption allegations against Arroyo and other scandals during her presidency.

“I can forgive those who did me wrong, but I have no right to forgive those who abused our people,” said Aquino, who with his mother had previously joined street protests calling on Arroyo to resign.

Aquino ordered new Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to deliver “true and complete justice for all.”

Many in the crowd loudly booed Arroyo as she drove away, some chanting “Go home!”

U.S. Trade Representative Ronald Kirk, who headed the American delegation sent by President Barack Obama to the inauguration, said Washington was looking forward “to building on what is the strongest strategic relationships” between the two allies.

Aquino’s parents are revered for their opposition to the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who was ousted by a 1986 “people power” revolt. Considered a political lightweight, the 50-year-old bachelor won a landslide election victory that analysts have attributed to his family name and anti-corruption platform.

In a brief but awkward moment, Aquino and Arroyo shared a traditional limousine ride from the presidential palace to his oath-taking. Arroyo was given military honors then left to take her oath as a congresswoman representing her northern Pampanga home province — a seat she won in the May general elections.

Many in the crowd loudly booed Arroyo as she drove away, some chanting “Go home!”

Adding to the shopping list of promises for his presidency, Aquino has vowed restore the credibility of the judiciary and Congress, which he says have been seriously eroded under Arroyo’s rule.

Aquino has also expressed alarm at the ballooning national budget deficit, which he said could surpass $8.7 billion (400 billion pesos) this year. He plans to improve tax collection by cracking down on smuggling — comparing the government’s revenue collection agencies to a pail of water shot through with holes.

Associated Press writers Oliver Teves and Jim Gomez contributed to this report.