His Excellency Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Cojuangco Aquino III was sworn in Wednesday as the country’s 15th President before millions of Filipinos at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, vowing to deliver the nation from poverty and wiping corruption that grip the administration of his predecessor.

“To those who talk about reconciliation, if they mean that they would like us to simply forget about the wrongdoings that they committed in the past, we have this to say: There can be no reconciliation without justice. When we allow crimes to go unpunished, we give consent for it to occur over and over again. Secretary (Leila) de Lima, you have your marching orders. Begin the process of providing true and complete justice for all,” Aquino said in Filipino.

Yellow-clad supporters of the newly installed Chief Executive trooped to the inauguration venue to witness outgoing President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo peacefully transfer the reigns of power to Aquino.

“The people who are behind us dared to dream. Today, the dream starts to become a reality,” Aquino said during his inaugural speech moments after being sworn in by Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales.

His speech, delivered mostly in Tagalog, contained the path that his administration will tread as he outlined his platform of governance for the next six years of his administration.

Aquino, clad in barong Tagalog, pledged to bring a new era of good governance, reforms, and a bureaucracy that will be sensitive to the plight of the common folk.

During the historic event witnessed by millions of Filipinos, Aquino disclosed that on top of his to-do list is to tend the culture of bad governance and for him to set a good example in getting rid of corrupt practices in public administration.

“Sigaw natin noong kampanya: ‘Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.’ Hindi lamang ito pang slogan o pang poster – ito ang mga prinsipyong tinatayuan at nagsisilbing batayan ng ating administrasyon. Ang ating pangunahing tungkulin ay ang magsikap na maiangat ang bansa mula sa kahirapan, sa pamamagitan ng pagpapairal ng katapatan at mabuting pamamalakad sa pamahalaan.” (“During the campaign we said, “If no one is corrupt, no one is poor.”

That is no mere slogan for posters – it is the defining principle that will serve as the foundation of our administration. Our foremost duty is to lift the nation from poverty through honest and effective governance.”)

“Ang unang hakbang ay ang pagkakaroon ng tuwid at tapat na hanay ng mga pinuno. Magsisimula ito sa akin. Sisikapin kong maging isang mabuting ehemplo. Hinding-hindi ko sasayangin ang tiwalang ipinagkaloob ninyo sa akin.

Sisiguraduhin ko na ganito rin ang adhikain ng aking Gabinete at ng mga magiging kasama sa ating pamahalaan,” he pointed out. The first step is to have leaders who are ethical, honest, and true public servants. I will set the example. (“I will strive to be a good model. I will not break the trust you bestowed on me. I will ensure that this, too, will be the advocacy of my Cabinet and those who will join our government.”)

He said he intends to deal with the questionable midnight appointments made by his predecessor.

“Sa mga itinalaga sa paraang labag sa batas, ito ang aking babala: sisimulan natin ang pagbabalik ng tiwala sa pamamagitan ng pag-usisa sa mga ‘midnight appointments.’

Sana ay magsilbi itong babala sa mga nag-iisip na ipagpatuloy ang baluktot na kalakarang nakasanayan na ng marami,” (“Aquino said. To those who have been put in positions by unlawful means, this is my warning: we will begin earning back the trust of our people by reviewing midnight appointments. Let this serve as a warning to those who intend to continue the crooked ways that have become the norm for too long.”)

However, he expressed his belief that not everyone in the government is corrupt.

“Sa katunayan, mas marami sa kanila ay tapat. Pinili nilang maglingkod sa gobyerno upang gumawa ng kabutihan.

Ngayon, magkakaroon na sila ng pagkakataong magpakitang-gilas. Inaasahan natin sila sa pagsupil ng korapsyon sa loob mismo ng burukrasya,” he stressed. (“In truth, majority of them are honest. They joined government to serve and do good. Starting today, they will have the opportunity to show that they have what it takes. I am counting on them to help fight corruption within the bureaucracy.”)

Aquino also vowed to address lack of infrastructure throughout the country to ensure better transportation, trade, and tourism.

“Mula ngayon, hindi na pwede ang ‘pwede na’ pagdating sa mga kalye, tulay at gusali dahil magiging responsibilidad ng mga kontratista ang panatilihing nasa mabuting kalagayan ang mga proyekto nila,” he said during his 20 minute address. (“From now on, mediocre work will not be good enough when it comes to roads, bridges, and buildings because we will hold contractors responsible for maintaining their projects in good condition.)

Likewise the former senator from Tarlac disclosed that he will revive the emergency employment program introduced by his mother, former President Corazon C. Aquino, during her administration.

He said this will provide much needed job generation to the local community and help in the economic progress of the country.

Apart from this, Aquino promised to build more schools to uplift the state of education, including vocational education, to make sure those who are not able to take up a course in college will find employment.

He stressed that under his administration, health will be on top of the agenda and ensure that each and every Filipino will be provided with the benefits of a comprehensive health insurance through Philhealth within the first three years of his presidency.

Aquino further promised to provide descent shelter to all in a safe surrounding.

To ensure peace and order in the country, Aquino gave assurances that his administration will strengthen the police force.

On the plight of the farmers, Aquino vowed that the government will help in irrigation, extension services, and in selling their products either locally or in the world market.

He directed Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala to set up trading centers what will directly link farmers and consumers, thereby eliminating middlemen and opportunities for corruption.

Aquino also vowed to cut red tape and come up with business-friendly policies to attract investors.

“We will level the playing field for investors and make government and enabler, not a hindrance to business.”

To address the Mindanao conflict, Aquino said his government will be “sincere in dealing with all the peoples of Mindanao and committed to a peaceful and just settlement of conflicts, inclusive of the interests of all – may they be Lumads, Bangsamoro, or Christian.”

Aquino also said that he can forgive those who did wrong against him, but stressed that he has no right to forgive those who abused the people.

The newly installed President also addressed the country's Asian neighbors, vowing to make sure that the country will be a stable venue for investments.

“To our friends and neighbors around the world, we are ready to take our place as a reliable member of the community of nations, a nation serious about its commitments and which harmonizes its national interests with its international responsibilities. We will be a predictable and consistent place for investment, a nation where everyone will say, ‘it all works,” Aquino said.

Aquino also promised to fight corruption, particularly in the notoriously graft-ridden Bureau of Customs and Internal Revenue.

See also: Pres. Aquino's goals expressed during his inaugural speech