MikeLigalig.com

Gloria: 14th RP president
Published January 21, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle
 * Estrada ousted by  People Power II
 By BEN CAL
       MANILA.- Jan. 20 (PNA) - Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was sworn in at noon today as the 14th President of the Philippines after former President Joseph E. Estrada was forced to step down from office during a dramatic people-power revolt at EDSA.
        The historic EDSA people power was the second to happen in the country to drive out a corrupt regime. The first was in February 1986 when more than two million people trooped to E. Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) to topple the 20-year-old Marcos regime.
        Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide Jr. Administered the oath of office at the historic EDSA Shrine in Mandaluyong City where a million people from all walks of life staged a triumphant second people power since 1986 to oust a sitting president.
        The entire oath taking ceremony was finished in just 56 seconds amidst chanting of “GMA, GMA, the initials of the new President.
       The swearing in started at 12:28-31 p.m. and was completed at 12:29:35 p.m.
        With her right hand  raised up and her left hand touching the Holy Bible, President Arroyo vowed to preserve the Constitution and execute all laws.
        Shouting of GMA reverberated the EDSA Shrine complex as soon as Ms. Arroyo finished uttering the words “so help me God!” 
        Then the people chanted the name of Davide as soon as the swearing in ceremony was completed.
        The new President arrived on board a blue and gray helicopter emblazoned with “Mabuhay GMA.”
        In her first speech as President, Ms. Arroyo said she was ready to accept the responsibilities of the presidency and will immediately start the long process of healing the wounds the nation has sustained as a result of the political crisis during the past two months.
“It is a time to heal and time to build, she said.
        President Arroyo spelled out a four-point program of the new government.
She said her first priority is to launch a bold national ambition to eradicate poverty in the country.
        Her second priority is to improve the moral standard in government and society as she announced the need to change the brand of politics through true and genuine reforms.
President Arroyo also pledged to live a leadership by example.
       She said there is also a need to embark a new brand of politics that will root out inequities prevailing in society today.
       Under her administration, she said genuine reforms will be pursued to “level the playing field” so the Philippines be globally competitive  during the 21st century.
       The President stressed the need for good governance to restore the dignity of the Filipino people.
       She said regaining economic stability for the country is top priority of her administration.
Her speech lasted for about 15 minutes.
       The new President took her oath amidst stone-throwing incidents between anti-Erap and pro-Erap supporters along Claro M. Recto Avenue and Legarda Street in Mendiola near Malacanang.
       But this did not disrupt the ceremonies at EDSA Shrine some 15 kms. Away.
In Malacanang, former Pres. Estrada and members of his family left the Palace at about two o’clock this afternoon.
        The ex-President boarded a barge for a two-minute ride crossing the Pasig River to the Malacanang Golf Course on his way to his residence at Polk Street in Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila.
       Mr. Estrada and First Lady Loi graciously waved their hands as they boarded the barge.
It was an emotionally charged departure ceremonies where the former President bade farewell to members of his Cabinet and tear-eyed friends who saw him off.
       There was a negotiation Friday night in Malacanang on Mr. Estrada’s graceful exit from Malacanang.
       Initially, he asked that he be given five days more to stay in Malacanang before he turns over the presidency to President Arroyo.
       However, the former President changed his mind after the Supreme Court proclaimed that Vice President Arroyo is the new President.
       There were also talks that Mr. Estrada would fly to Australia but Malacanang said the former Chief Executive is staying in the country ready to face whatever charges be filed against him.
       Ms. Arroyo said everyday there will be something new, referring to the naming of incoming cabinet secretaries.
       During her first press conference as President, she said she will name a new vice president in the days to come.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=83368.0