THE 30th day of June 2022 marked another milestone in Philippine history that was highlighted by a spectacle usually observed only during Independence Day celebrations. Except for its state-of-the-art gray ships, the Armed Forces of the Philippines marched its elite fighting units, rolled its tanks, cannons and armored personnel carriers, and flew its jets and attack helicopters. It was a rare display of modest but modern warfighting capabilities that serves to remind Filipinos about the country's glory days in Southeast Asia as a regional military force to reckon with. With national ensigns waving, civilian uniformed services, medical frontliners and world-class athletes paraded in front of the National Museum for the Arts of the old legislative building. The place was resplendent with flowing red, white and blue curtains. And at high noon, Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Romualdez Marcos Jr. was sworn into office as the 17th President of the Republic in the manner provided for under the 1987 Constitution.

After presidents-elect have taken their oaths of office and assumed the presidency, they are customarily accorded a 'honeymoon period.' A span of time over which they are allowed to warm their seats and get their hands on the job. They are afforded some latitude for shortcomings owing to the fresh mandate they got. And the duration may be short or long, depending on the 'failings' and the extent of 'love and patience' that people have for the president they voted for. The question is, how long a honeymoon period will the 31,629,783 supporters give to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.? Or how long a 'ceasefire' will he enjoy from the 23,920,008 who did not vote for him?