CALD Wraps Up Manila Activities with Aquino’s Inauguration

It is a fitting end to series of events organized by CALD in the Philippines’ historic capital Manila.

At exactly 12:00 noon of June 30, CALD members, partners and guests witnessed the oath-taking and inauguration of Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III as 15^th President of the Republic of the Philippines. The CALD delegation was part of more than half a million people who endured the sweltering mid-day heat to observe democracy’s most  distinguishing hallmark – the peaceful transfer of power from one leader to another.

“We attended inaugurations in the past, but we think your ceremony is the best”, said Ms. Huai-hui Hsieh, Deputy Director of Department of International Affairs, Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan. Mr. Maung Maung, Secretary-General of the National Council of the Union of Burma, described the event as a “marvellous sight”, especially for someone like him who lives under a despotic regime which shows no signs of giving up power.

Aquino’s inauguration served as the highlight of the three-day CALD event, which was organized with the assistance of the Liberal Party of the Philippines and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty. Aquino previously served as CALD Secretary General in 1999. Prior to the inauguration, CALD delegates participated in the conference “Asian Liberal Parties in Power: Getting There, Remaining There” on June 28-29 in Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City.  The conference was also attended by dozens of local participants from the diplomatic corps, Liberal Party of the Philippines, government, academe, the media, and civil society organizations.

The conference discussed Asian liberal parties’ experiences regarding the various issues and concerns that they face, whether inside or outside of government.  By focusing on issues of practical relevance such as launching successful campaigns, building coalitions, and forming and sustaining governments, the participants, particularly those who are members of a political party, were able to draw lessons on how to realize their common goal of obtaining power and exercising it responsibly.  Recalling Graf Otto von Lambsdorff words, CALD Chairman Dr. Rajiva Wijesinha, MP, succinctly summed up the message of the conference in these words: “Liberals must strive, after achieving power, to ensure that the people always stay empowered.”

The other events and highlights of the Manila Conference include the tribute to Senator Jovito R. Salonga, Chairman Emeritus of the Liberal Party of the Philippines on June 28, and the CALD Executive Committee Meeting on June 29.

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This post was written by CALD