On November 15, 1935, I took my oath of office as first President of the Philippines under the

most favorable auspices. The Philippines was at peace and the Filipino people were happy and
contented. At the inaugural ceremonies held in the city of Manila, there were present high
dignitaries of the Government of the United States, and a vast multitude of Filipinos deeply
grateful to America and thrilled with the vision of a bright future.

Today I am assuming for the second time the duties of the Presidency under entirely different
conditions. We are in the grip of war, and the seat of the government has been temporarily
transferred from the city of Manila to a place in close proximity to the headquarters of our armed
forces, where I am in constant touch with Gen. Douglas MacArthur. All around us enemy bombs
are dropping and anti-aircraft guns are roaring. In defenseless cities and towns air raids are
killing women and children and destroying century-old churches, monasteries, and schools.

Six years ago, there was every reason to believe that the Filipino people would be able to prepare
themselves for independence in peace and without hindrance. In my first inaugural address, I
outlined a program intended to lay the foundations for a government that will, in the language of
our Constitution, promote the general welfare and secure to the Filipino people and their
posterity "the blessings of independence under a regime of justice, liberty, and democracy".

Our task of nation-building was in progress when suddenly, on December 8, 1941, the
Philippines became the victim of wanton aggression. We are resisting this aggression with
everything that we have.

Our soldiers, American and Filipino, under the leadership of General Douglas MacArthur, one of
the greatest soldiers of our time, are fighting on all fronts with gallantry and heroism that will go
down in history. In the face of frequent air raids which are causing so much death, suffering, and
destruction, our civilian population are maintaining their morale. Despite the enemy's temporary
superiority in the air and on land and sea, we have been able to check the rapid advance of the
invading armies. America and the Philippines may well be proud of the heroic struggle that our
forces are putting up against the invader.

At the present time we have but one task — to fight with America for America and the
Philippines. To this task we shall devote all our resources in men and materials. Ours is a great
cause. We are fighting for human liberty and justice, for those principles of individual freedom
which we all cherish and without which life would not be worth living. Indeed, we are fighting
for our own independence. It is to maintain this independence, these liberties and these freedoms,
to banish fear and want among all peoples, and to establish a reign of justice for all the world,
that we are sacrificing our lives and all that we possess. The war may be longdrawn and hard-
fought, but with the determination of freedom-loving peoples everywhere to stamp out the rule
of violence and terrorism from the face of the earth, I am absolutely convinced that final and
complete victory will be ours.

Soon after the outbreak of the war, I received a message from President Roosevelt expressing
admiration for the gallantry of our soldicrs and the courageous stand of our civilian population.
Yesterday, the President of the United States issued a proclamation which, I am sure, will
hearten our fighting men and thrill the soul of every American and Filipino in this land. This is
the proclamation:

"News of your gallant struggle against the japanese aggressors has elicited the profound
admiration of every American. As President of the United States, I know that I speak for
all our people on this solemn occasion. The resources of the United States, of the British
Empire, of the Netherlands East Indies, and the Chinese Republic have been dedicated by
their people to the utter and complete defeat of the Japanese War Lords. In this struggle
of the Pacific the loyal Americans of the Philippine Islands are called upon to play a
crucial role. They have played, and they are playing tonight, their part with the greatest
gallantry, As President, I wish to express to them my feeling of sincere amiration for the
fight they are now making. The people of the United States will never forget what the
people of the Philippine Islands are doing these days and will do in the days to come. I
give to the people of the Philippines my solemn pledge that their freedom will be
redeemed and their independence independence established and protected. The entire
resources in men and materials of the United States stand behind that pledge. It is not for
me or for the people of this country to tell you where your duty lies. We are engaged in a
great and common cause. I count on every Philippine man, woman, and child to do his
duty. We will do ours. I give you this message from the Navy:

"The Navy Department tonight announces the Japanese Government is circulating

rumors for the obvious purpose of persuading the United States to disclose the location
and intentions of the American Pacific Fleets. It is obvious that these rumors are
intended for, and directed at, the Philippine Islands. The Philippines may rest assured
that while the United States Navy will not be tricked into disclosing vital information, the
fleet is not idle. The United States Navy is following an intensive and well planned
campaign against Japanese forces which will result in positive assistance to the defense
of the Philippine Islands."

My heart, and I know the hearts of all Americans and Filipinos in this country, are filled with
gratitude for the reassuring words of the President of the United States. My answer, our answer,
to him is that every man, woman, and child in the Philippines will do his duty. No matter what
sufferings and sacrifices this war may impose upon us we shall stand by America with undaunted
spirit, for we know that upon the outcome of this war depend the' happiness, liberty, and security
not only of this generation but of the generations yet unborn.

Mr. High Commissioner, may I ask you to convey to the President of the United States our
profound gratitude for the noble sentiments expressed in his proclamation. The Filipino people
are particularly grateful for his abiding interest in our welfare and for his pledge to assure and
protect our freedom and independence.

General MacArthur, there are no words in my language that can express to you the deep
gratitude of the Filipino people and my own for your devotion to our cause, the defense of our
country, and the safety of our population. [ trust that the time will come when we may express
this sentiment to you in a more appropriate manner.

To all Americans in the Philippines, soldiers and civilians alike, I want to say that our common
ordeal has fused our hearts in a single purpose and an everlasting affection.

My fellow countrymen, this is the most momentous period of our history. As we face the grim
realities of war, let us rededicate ourselves to the great principles of freedom and democracy for
which our forefathers fought and died. The present war is being fought for these same principles.
It demands from us courage, determination, and unity of action, In taking my oath of office, I
make the pledge for myself, my government, and my people, to stand by America and fight with
her until victory is won. I am resolved, whatever the consequences to myself, faithfully to fulfill
this pledge. I humbly invoke the help of Almighty God that I may have the wisdom and fortitude
to carry out this solemn obligation.