By Ma. Cristina C. Arayata
President Rodrio Duterte, accompanied by his children (from left) Sebastian, Victoria, Davao Mayor Sara, and Davao Vice Mayor Paolo. (Malacanang photo)
MANILA, June 30 (PNA) – His slogan during the last presidential campaign was “Change is coming” and most of the Filipino people are now waiting for it for the good of the country.
In his inaugural speech in Malacanang as the 16th President of the Philippines on Thursday, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte noted that “change must start with us and in us.”
He emphasized that the ride will be rough, but he encouraged everyone to join him in the journey towards a brighter future.
Duterte vowed to listen to the murmuring of the people, feel their pulse and supply their needs.
The new President said his administration will also focus on fighting three major problems in the country—corruption, criminality and rampant sale of illegal drugs.
He added, “Erosion of faith and trust in government – that is the real problem.”
His administration advocates transparency. One of his first orders to Cabinet secretaries and heads of agencies is to refrain from changing and bending the rules of government contracts already approved.
President Rodrigo Duterte
Meanwhile, Duterte cited that he will serve everyone and not only one, but also pointed out, “I have no friends to serve, no enemies to harm.”
“Malasakit, tunay na pagbabago” (concern, real change) – these are two of Duterte’s promises to the Filipinos.
“I am ready to start my work for the nation,” he said.
Duterte took his oath to office at exactly 12 noon Thursday, in accordance with the constitutional provision that the six-year term of the President “shall begin at noon on the 30th day of June next following the day of the election and shall end at noon of the same date six years thereafter.”
Supreme Court Associate Justice Bienvenido Reyes, his fraternity “brother,” administered the oath taking.
President Duterte’s children – Paolo, Sara, Sebastian and Veronica – were all beside him as he took his oath to office, with his left hand on top of the Bible. (PNA)