CPG's Presidential Inaugural Remarks

His Excellency, Pres. Carlos P. Garcia

8th President of the Philippines

4th President of the Third Republic

March 17, 1957 – December 30, 1961

ASCENDANCY  TO THE PRESIDENCY: 

It was March 18, 1957, when Vice- President Garcia, at the age of 61, assumed the presidency from Pres. Magsaysay who perished in a tragic plane crash in Mt. Manunggal in Balamban, Cebu Province, March 17, 1957

At the time of the sudden death of President Ramon Magsaysay, Vice President and Foreign Affairs Secretary Carlos P. García was heading the Philippine delegation to the SEATO conference then being held at Canberra, Australia.

Vice President García enplaned back for Manila after being informed of  the national tragedy involving Pres. Magsaysay. Immediately after his Manila arrival, he was whisked of to Malacañang Palace to assume the duties of President. 

Straight from the airport, Vice President Carlos P. García was inaugurated as
the 8th President of the Philippines upon Magsaysay's death on March 17, 1957
Council of State Room, Executive Building, Malacañan Palace, March 18, 1957 

Chief Justice Ricardo Paras, of the Supreme Court, was at hand to administer the oath of office. 

President García's first actions dealt with the declaration of a period of mourning for the whole nation and the burial ceremonies for the late Chief-Executive Magsaysay.

Inaugural Remarks of President Garcia after the demise of President Magsaysay, March 18, 1957

Inaugural Remarks

of

His Excellency Carlos P. Garcia

President of the Philippines

(Delivered at the Council of State Room, Executive Office Bldg., Malacañan Palace, March 18, 1957)

The unexpected and most unfortunate demise of President Ramon Magsaysay has brought grief not only to our country but to the entire free world. President Magsaysay, since his assumption to the highest office of the land, had been an uncompromising champion of democracy in Asia. Thus, his death is definitely a loss to all freedom-loving peoples everywhere. In this our moment of supreme national bereavement, I wish to ask our people to share with me the heavy burden which has been placed upon my shoulders by the Supreme Law-Giver who presides over the destinies of men and nations. In asking for the support and cooperation of the Filipino people, I appeal for sobriety, calmness and dedication in the fulfillment of our common duty to God and country, for the great ideals for which President Magsaysay lived and died. I realize only too well that the position of President of the Philippine carries with it tremendous responsibilities. Nevertheless, with the aid of Divine Providence, I accept, in all humility, this difficult task, upon taking my oath of office. With abiding faith in our people, I know that in a moment of crisis like this, they always rise equal to the situation. In the days that lie ahead, I will welcome honest and constructive criticism if it will redound to the public good. It shall be my solemn duty to carry on the great political program for which President Magsaysay and the Nacionalista Party have given their all and their best. I ask you then, fellow countrymen, to lay aside all rancour and discord and help me carry on the task of preserving our land for God, democracy, liberty and justice. 

Pres. CPG during the necrological services for the late Pres. Ramon Magsaysay

LIFE AFTER PHILIPPINE PRESIDENCY

After he didn't make it in his presidential reelection bid, he retired to a private life in Tagbilaran City. 

On June 1, 1971, García was elected delegate of the 1971 Constitutional Convention. The convention delegates elected him as the President of the Convention.

However, just days after his election, on June 14, 1971, García died from a fatal heart attack.

He was succeeded as president of the Convention by his former Vice President, Diosdado Macapagal.

García became the first president to have his remains lie in-state at the Manila Cathedral and the first president to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.  

ILLUSTRIOUS POLITICAL CAREER:

The elective & appointed posts he held prior to his assumption & election as Philippine President:

5th Vice President of the Philippines December 30, 1953 – March 17, 1957

Secretary of Foreign Affairs (December 30, 1953 – March 17, 1957)

Senator of the Philippines (May 25, 1946 – December 30, 1953)

Governor of Bohol (December 30, 1933 – December 30, 1941)

Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Bohol's Third District (1925–1931)

Credits: http://www.gov.ph/1957/03/18/inaugural-remarks-of-president-garcia-after-the-demise-of-president-magsaysay-march-18-1957/