MANILA (Updated 12:35 p.m.) -- President Benigno "Noynoy Aquino III vowed Wednesday to rid the country of graft and corruption, promising a democracy that benefits not only a few but everyone and leaders who truly serve the people.
He said he too has experienced and is tired of a government that has been blind and deaf to the people's ills.
"Ako din, sawangsawa na sa pamahalaang sa halip na magsilbi ay kailangan pang pagpasensyahin at tiisin," Aquino said in his inaugural speech Wednesday at Quirino Grandstand in Manila.
He said his father fought a dictatorship and his mother put her life on the line to preserve democracy. He added he would ensure the democracy his parents fought so hard for benefits everyone.
"Ilalaan ko ang aking buhay para sa demokrasya," he said. "Hinding-hindi ko sasayangin ang tiwala na pinagkatiwala niyo sa akin."
He said it was the people and not him who ended a kind of governance that was insensitive to the people's prayers. But while his being sworn into office ends a flawed government, Aquino said it also marks the start of his "kalbaryo" because he is inheritor of all its ills.
He added it was clear that the people's mandate for him was to cleanse the government.
"Kung walang korap, walang mahirap (There's no poverty if there is no corruption)," he repeated this statement that was a constant slogan of his campaign.
Aquino said he will strive to be a good example and will perform the responsibilities of his office with utmost honesty. He said he believes there are a lot of honest public servants and it is now their time to show their stuff.
But he warned those who will continue with their wayward ways that they will not be spared, and added he would start by looking into his predecessor's midnight appointments.
To those who have wronged him, Aquino said he can and has indeed forgiven them but he has no right to extend forgiveness to those who have so wronged the Filipino people.
"There can be no reconciliation without justice," he pointed out, and gave his new Justice Secretary Leila De Lima her marching orders to "begin the process of providing true and complete justice for all."
He also announced former Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide's acceptance to head a truth commission that will look into irregularities during President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's administration.
Aquino also said his government will be sincere in dealing with all people in Mindanao, whether they be Christians, Bangsamoro, or lumads (tribesmen).
The new President also said his government will not ignore the needs of the students and will supply whatever is still lacking in schoolrooms.
He said he would build needed infrastructure for tourism and business, and improve services for farmers in the area of irrigation and markets for their produce.
New Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala has been tasked to look into building trading centers were farmers can bring their produce directly to buyers, thereby eliminating the middlemen.
Aquino vowed to improve the quality of education, health care, and housing, as well as strengthen and reform the police and military.
His government will "cut red tape dramatically" and level the playing field for investors.
He instructed the Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to see to the needs of Filipino migrant workers.
Aquino said he will also revive the emergency employment program of his late mother, former President Corazon Aquino, to provide jobs to local communities.
The President vowed to correct the anomalies and irregularities in the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Bureau of Customs.
To his family, friends, supporters, political allies, and campaign volunteers whether young and old -- Aquino gave his heartfelt gratitude for their help.
Earlier, inaugural spokesperson Manolo Quezon III said Aquino was very involved in the writing of his speech and some of his staff in the Senate only helped out in its element and style.
"Ang laman ng kanyang inaugural address unang-una dito ay ang kanyang pagbabalik tanaw kung bakit siya tumakbo bilang pangulo at lahat ng mga dinaanan niya at ng kanyang pangulo upang makarating siya dito at naging pangulo," Quezon said.
Aquino discussed the goals of his administration for the next six years.
On Tuesday, he announced a partial line-up of his Cabinet appointments, excluding the most wanted position, the Interior and Local Government secretary post.
Wednesday's inauguration ceremony kicked off with international singing sensation Charice Pempengco performing the National Anthem.
Different religious leaders took part in the ecumenical prayer.
Other performances included that of Ogie Alcasid, Noel Cabangon, Jed Madela, Christian Bautista, Regine Velasquez, and Gary Valenciano.
Alcasid and Cabangon composed the inaugural song "Bagong Pilipinas."
Aquino and Binay were sworn into office around 11:50 a.m. Wednesday before Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales.
The 15th President refused to take his oath before Chief Justice Renato Corona, who was appointed by former President Arroyo.
Arroyo named Corona as head of the Supreme Court after the High Court ruled that justices are exempted from "midnight appointments."
But despite this, Corona attended the inauguration of Aquino and Binay.
Aside from their supporters, Aquino's and Binay's families were present at the event.
Past leaders of the country -- former President Fidel Ramos and closest rival in the 2010 elections former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada -- also showed up to support the new government.
More than 80 countries also sent diplomats to the oath-taking ceremony.
As of noon Wednesday, Aquino was at MalacaƱang Palace convening his first Cabinet meeting. Later in the evening, a street party will be held at the Quezon City Memorial Circle. (Sunnex)