INTRODUCTION
Let me thank Secretary Franklin Drilon, as chairman of the National Inauguration Committee, for his kind words.

This is probably going to be the first and last honeymoon reception we are going to have together. And so, there is no better time to start getting used to each other. Indeed, we have all come a long way from the time I authorized those among you who were inclined, to start kissing little babies for me. I am now authorizing all of you who are inclined, to start shaping a better future for those little babies with me.

I have just come from the first meeting of the Ramos cabinet, and the agenda is indeed full. Not only in that meeting, but for the next six years. Thus, we have all agreed to hold our succeeding cabinet meetings at four o’clock. That’s four o’clock in the morning, so we have all the time we need for action. In fact, I am calling the presidential staff to a meeting at six o’clock in the morning of July 1.

Of course, you should know that I am only kidding. I think i have already become famous for my command conferences at 4 A.M. But the joke ends there. I am not kidding about making the most of the time possible for action. These days, I have already blocked off my 4-5 A.M.’s to review the day’s papers. It is very important for me to have daily feedback. And then start holding meetings of the internal staff two hours later. It is important for my staff to have daily feedback, too.

Some are still apprehensive about my management style. Let me tell you now, I’m inclined to be a three-minute president. At least, at the start. One minute to set the targets straight and clarify expectations. One minute to reprimand for deviations. One minute to praise for outstanding work. The other minutes left in the day are there for action, action and action. Towards the end of my term, or much sooner, I hope to be your one-minute president. And that’s to commend excellent work.

In fact, as I was reviewing my papers the other day, I found a piece I wrote in 1988 about nationhood. I said then, “one territory plus one race does not necessarily equal one nation. Other elements are needed: a just and strong political system; a code of laws administered fairly; different groups of people who complement and are compatible with each other working together for a common goal; interests and hopes held in common and valued in common.” having been president for half a day, I can see that I missed out at that time on a most important element: a hardworking, 36-hour presidency that must hang all these things together day in and day out. Not only by his eloquence, not only by his executive orders, but most of all by his example. No wonder my predecessor advised me to have a good 24-hour rest before my inauguration. No wonder, too, leading the nation has been called a burden that is now passed on my shoulders.

But when a father carries his son on his shoulders, it does not weigh him down. If he must stoop down a little to raise the boy, then he must, the better to carry his son through even the most tortuous of trails. If I am perceived to have the strength and the conviction and the stamina, it is because I am like an exultant and exuberant father to our young democracy. The paths toward the future are still perilous. And it is my mission to see our nation through.

You who saw through me and my convictions during the historic struggle that culminated at EDSA know how deeply I care for our people. You who saw me through these glorious Aquino years know how far I will go for the safety and security of our people. You who saw through the travails and triumph of the presidential campaign with me know what more I want to do for our people and why. I ask you now, all of you who I hope will see me through the next six years, to get to know how I will work even harder for the welfare of our people. Neither to follow nor to lead me, but to always stand by my side. Let the spirit of democracy be always willing, so that the flesh will always be strong.

And so, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, i propose a toast in honor of the heads of states of the friendly countries and their peoples represented in this inaugural day reception, for their continued good health, happiness and success, and to the republic of the Philippines and the well-being and prosperity of the people.

Mabuhay!