Presidential Inauguration (Philippines)
Learn about the traditions that are performed during the “Inauguration” of the new President of the Republic of the Philippines.
1
Tradition dictates that the President-Elect arrives at the Presidential Palace before the inaugural, to pay a courtesy call on the outgoing President.
The President and the President-Elect then go together to the inauguration venue.
The outgoing President is given final military honors and departs, and the inauguration ceremony proper begins.
2
After the National Anthem, ecumenical invocation, and inaugural song, the Senate President reads the proclamation announcing the results of the elections.
The President-Elect is sworn in. Immediately upon the conclusion of the oath, the traditional Presidential Anthem, “Mabuhay,” is played with the appropriate ruffles and flourishes, and the Armed Forces shall render its first 21-gun salute to the new Commander-in-Chief.
3
The new President of the Philippines then delivers his inaugural address, which traditionally consists of the following:
Appreciation to the nation for conferring its mandate; and a pledge and appeal for healing and unity.
The administration’s call to action and programs for its 100 days.
4
Traditionally, the inaugural parade takes place at this point.
5
After the inaugural parade, the President then takes symbolic possession of the Presidential Palace and holds his first Cabinet meeting.
In the Palace, the President takes symbolic possession by means of ascending the main stairs, which legend attributes as having been climbed by Rizal’s mother on her knees, to beg for clemency for her son: a reminder to every President of the portion of the oath of office which pledges justice to every man.
6.
From the main stairs, the President passes Juan Luna’s painting of the Blood Compact and enters the Reception Hall, lined with the portraits of the past Chief Executives and which traditionally has, at its center, the table given to President Quezon by inmates who received Presidential Pardons: again, a tangible reminder to every administration of the power to grant clemency and do justice.