After leaving home early to avoid the morning traffic rush, President Benigno Simeon Aquino III arrived ahead of the scheduled flag-raising ceremony in Malacañang, his first public activity for the day.
 
The President, trying to perfect his punctuality in official engagements, left his family residence in Times Street, Quezon City past 7a.m. to meet his 8 a.m. appointment at the Palace.
 
As expected, the long presidential convoy skipped using car sirens and instead followed all traffic rules en route to San Miguel, Manila.
 
Fortunately, traffic was not that bad. Mr. Aquino arrived at 7:50 a.m. at the Palace, prompting officials and employees of the Office of the President (OP) to hold the flag rites much earlier.
 
In his brief remarks, the Chief Executive sought the support of government officials in the tough job of resolving the country's problems, admitting he cannot do it alone.
 
He also urged them to keep the spirit of people power alive in the efficient delivery of public service.
 
"Pasan ko ang mabibigat na problema ng ating bansa na tinatanggap ko na may halong galak at pangamba. Katulad po ng aking nasambit noong Myerkules, ang pagtahak sa matuwid na landas ay hindi ko kayang makamit na mag-isa. Kinakailangan ko po ay inyong tulong, katapatan sa serbisyo at pag-unawa lalo na sa mga pagkakataon tila hindi na ako makausap sa dami ng iniisip," he said.
 
"Hinihiling ko sa inyo ang inyong pakikiisa upang lalo pang tumingkad at manatiling buhay ang diwa ng people power. Ito po ang nagdala sa atin dito sa palasyo, inaasahan ko po na ito rin ang tutulong sa atin na maisagawa ang ating mga tungkulin. Magtulungan tayo para sa ikauunlad ng sambayanang pilipino at para sa magandang kinabukasan ng darating pang henerasyon," he added.
 
At the end of each working day, Mr.Aquino said he yearns all public servants could look at the mirror and say they have been honest to the nation.
 
From the Palace, Mr. Aquino motored to Villamor Air Base in Pasay City to attend the 63rd anniversary of the Philippine Air Force. He is expected to deliver a speech at the 10 a.m. event.