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Thursday, July 01, 2004
40T people show up for GMA, de Castro oathtaking
By Liberty A. Pinili
CEBU CITY -- President Arroyo took oath at the Capitol grounds Wednesday amid cheers and applause from guests and a throng of supporters and onlookers.
For the second time in her political career, Arroyo was sworn into office by Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr.
Although the President did not make a speech after taking oath, in the inauguration at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila earlier in the morning, she laid out a 10-point agenda that included the computerization of elections.
Vice President Manuel "Noli" de Castro took his oath moments before Arroyo did, in the presence of his family.
Inaugural guests started arriving at the Capitol around 8 a.m. Three hours and 45 minutes later, Arroyo arrived just after de Castro made his way to the stage.
Arroyo and de Castro's oathtaking, which involved hundreds of hours of preparation, took only a total of five minutes.
Peaceful, festive
The whole ceremony, which began with the singing of the national anthem by actress Nora Aunor, took less than 15 minutes.
Police Regional Office 7 Chief Rolando Garcia, in an interview, described the inaugural as relatively peaceful and festive, despite a skirmish between police and rallyists who tried to approach the Capitol.
Among the foreign guests were the first lady of the Czech Republic, the prime minister of the People's Republic of China, and the deputy prime ministers of Thailand, Spain and Swaziland.
Foreign ministerial officers who were also present include those of Palau, United States, Morocco, Myanmar, Burma and South Korea.
Before she took oath, Arroyo inspected the military troop during the pass in review with Armed Forces Chief of Staff Narciso Abaya.
First Gentleman Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo, flanked by children Juan Miguel, Diosdado Ignacio and Evangeline Lourdes, daughters-in-law and two granddaughters, held the Bible as Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. swore in Arroyo.
21-gun salute
Arroyo, the country's 14th president, was honored by a 21-gun salute upon her arrival and another, after she took oath.
Ordinary folk who came as early as 8:30 a.m. were able to find a spot where they could have a good view of the ceremony.
Among the most applauded were Senators Mar Roxas and Francisco Pangilinan.
Two residents from Basak, Cebu City-Cirila Abadilla and Susan Aņosa-said they came to find out if Arroyo would announce projects for Cebu.
Marife Yumol and her daughter said they came from Lutopan, Toledo City to show support for Arroyo. They were not promised anything for their presence.
Yumol said they came with a group of Arroyo supporters.
"It's good because the foreign dignitaries saw that the people really like the President," said Police Regional Director Garcia.
He placed the crowd at about 40,000.
Some of the people lingered at the Capitol area before proceeding to Fuente Osmeņa where barbecue stands were put up for the street party.
The President proceeded to Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort for the formal ball.
(July 1, 2004 issue)
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Gwen Garcia proclaimed Cebu governor