The 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines

Benigno Aquino took over as president of the Philippines on Wednesday with a vow to lift his nation out of poverty and wipe out crippling corruption that he said thrived under his predecessor.

"Today marks the end of a regime indifferent to the appeals of the people," Aquino said in one of many stinging criticisms of Gloria Arroyo, whose nearly 10 years in power were marred by allegations of vote rigging and massive graft.

"Through good governance in the coming years we will lessen our problems. The destiny of the Filipino will return to its rightful place and, as each year passes, the Filipino's problems will continue to lessen."

"To those who are talking about reconciliation... we have this to say: There can be no reconciliation without justice," he said. (This line of his speech really struck me because it assures the Filipino people that he will run after those who committed sins against the people. and I hope he will be true to his words.)