Inauguration of Joseph Estrada

Estrada took his oath office on June 30, 1998, at the Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan and as mandated by the Constitution, this took place at noon. This was the first time in the post-War era that the inauguration took place outside Manila. The Church was chosen to be the venue for the oath taking for paying tribute to the cradle of the First Philippine Republic. The oath of office was administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice Andres Narvasa, who also administered the oath of office of his predecessor, Fidel V. Ramos in 1992.

As per tradition, the incoming president will fetch the outgoing president at the Malacañan Palace. However, incoming President Joseph Estrada and outgoing President Fidel V. Ramos arrived at the Bulacan State University on two separate Presidential choppers. After which, they rode the Presidential Car going to the Bulacan Provincial Capitol. After which, they witnessed a parade on the history of Bulacan. Afterwards, Ramos and Estrada rode a kalesa leading to the Barasoain Church.[2] There, Ramos was given final military honors, after which, they proceeded to the Church. The program started with the Philippine National Anthem and a prayer led by then-Archbishop of Cebu Cardinal Ricardo Vidal followed by a doxology. Vice President-elect Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was sworn in a few minutes prior to Estrada to secure the constitutional line of succession. At exactly 12:00 noon PST (GMT+8), Chief Justice Narvasa administered the oath of office to Estrada. Among those who witness the oath-taking were Estrada's mother Mary Ejercito, his wife Loi Ejercito, who held the Bible that Estrada took oath on,[3] his siblings, and his long-time friend Fernando Poe, Jr. Also witnessed the oath-taking were Ramos and former president Corazon Aquino. After which, Ramos was given departure honors and returned to the Bulacan State University while Estrada on board the Presidential car. Estrada proceeded to the Malacañang Palace in Manila for the ceremonial climbing on the Grand Staircase, the induction of a new cabinet, and his first cabinet meeting.

The inaugural ceremony was held at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, which was hosted by actors Robert Arevalo and Boots Anson-Roa. President Estrada arrived at the Grandstand and given military honors. The inaugural started at around 4:00 p.m. PST with the singing of the national anthem by Nora Aunor and the ecumenical prayer. Then, Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora introduced President Estrada and gave his inaugural address. In his inaugural address, Estrada said:[1]

One hundred years after Kawit, fifty years after independence, twelve years after Edsa, and seven years after the rejection of foreign bases, it is now the turn of the masses to experience liberation.