Papal Nuncio to new PH President: There’ll be challenges, but experience is your edge

Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Charles John Brown. INQUIRER file photo / Tonette Orejas

MANILA, Philippines — Archbishop Charles John Brown, the apostolic nuncio to the Philippines of the Holy See, offered well-wishes and praise to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, saying that the newly-inaugurated Chief Executive can count on his experience in governance in facing challenges.

Brown said during his speech at the Vin D’ Honneur at the National Museum of Fine Arts right after the inauguration rites on Thursday that he and the rest of the Diplomatic Corps wish the President and the country all the best in terms of prosperity.

And if there are challenges that Marcos’ administration would face, Brown said the President’s years of experience with government will prove to be useful.

“There will certainly be challenges as there are for every administration. But, Mr. President, you bring to the Office of the Presidency an extensive experience of many years in governmental service and your call for unity has resonated deeply and widely with the Filipino people,” he said.

“For these reasons, you begin your term as President with a strong note of hope and confidence in the future. May God bless that future and make it fruitful for the good of the nation,” he added.

Brown also assured Marcos that the Diplomatic Corps would help his administration achieve its goals aimed at a better future for the country.

“The Filipino people have placed their trust and their hopes in you — their hopes for a future that is prosperous, safe, equitable, and just. I know that I speak for all the diplomats gathered here with you this afternoon when I say that we, too, in the international community harbor the same hopes for your presidency and for your nation,” he said.

“And that we pledge our cooperation and collaboration with your administration in achieving the success of your mandate,” he added.

Marcos for his part thanked the countries who gave congratulatory messages through the diplomats, saying that it is very important for countries to be united — just like his campaign call — especially with common goals like strengthening the world economy, recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, and fighting climate change.

“As I think we it is — it has become very clear and I think I may be repeating myself to some of you since we have spoken before, but I still believe that the transformation of the world economy and our recovery from the pandemic will be dependent on our partners and our allies and it will be those partnerships that will strengthen that recovery, that will make a more balanced and stable new global environment for us to work in,” Marcos told the Diplomatic Corps.

“I was especially struck by the importance that all of your countries have come to put on climate change. I believe that it was unanimous, all the ambassadors, all the representatives from the different countries who I have met with — have each made offers of help in terms of mitigation and adaptation to climate change,” he added.

Marcos also said that his administration would need all the help it can get as the country has been in a vulnerable position.

“As I mentioned in my speech, it is something that is terribly important simply because for the Philippines, we are very much in the most vulnerable position that many —  compared to many other countries. So I thank you all for that,” the new President said.

“And I cannot think of a most — of a better beginning to a new administration than to be able to have determined the partnerships and strengthen the relationships between our countries. And that is something that we will work with very, very clearly,” Marcos added.

Marcos earlier took his oath before Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, marking the return of the Marcoses to power — 36 years since the tenure of his late father and namesake, former president Ferdinand Marcos.

Among the personalities present at the inauguration rites are members of Marcos’ family including First Lady Liza Araneta, their children including Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, the President’s siblings Senator Imee Marcos and Irene Araneta.

The President’s mother — the Marcos family matriarch — former first lady Imelda Marcos, was also present during the inauguration of her son.

READ: It’s official: Bongbong Marcos sworn in as PH’s 17th President 

JPV