Sweeping reforms, beginning with small things
By CARLOS H. CONDE
The New York Times
Published: June 30, 2010
MANILA — Benigno S. Aquino III was sworn in as the 15th president of the Philippines on Wednesday and promised sweeping reforms that he said would improve the quality of life for the country.
Mr. Aquino, 50, takes over a country that saw much political turbulence in the nine years under his predecessor, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. He reiterated a pledge to investigate allegations of corruption and abuses under her government and promised to listen to ordinary Filipinos and ensure that their welfare was protected.
“You are the reason why, today, the suffering of the people will end,” Mr. Aquino told a crowd estimated by police officials at half a million.
“Here, on this day, ends the reign of a government that is indifferent to the complaints of the people,” he said in his 21-minute speech. “There can be no reconciliation without justice.”
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