Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
March 3, 2020

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte administered the mass oath-taking of the newly appointed government officials in a ceremony held at the Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace.

“As you take your oath of office, may we all be reminded that our primary obligation is to serve our country with integrity, impartiality and independence,” said President Duterte in his keynote address.

“As government workers, we are duty bound to defend the Constitution, obey all laws and discharge our duties with utmost efficiency, honesty and competence,” he continued.

The President reminded all the public officials present to practice vigilance and lead the fight against corruption and other ‘unethical motives that diminish public trust’, especially that of transactions and activities that involve relatives and other acquaintances.

“Alam mo hindi ko mapigilan. And even my closest relatives. The temptation is always there: money. Ako naman sana, basta malinis lang, everything in all fours are correct, wala akong problema… Kaya kayo kung may maglapit na magsabi sa iyo kapatid ‘yan, pamangkin, whatever, anak, consider it denied. Huwag kayong magdalawang-isip kasi pati kayo madale,” he added.

At the end of his speech, the Chief Executive called on the newly appointed public servants to remain committed for the development of the country, adding that he looks forward to having them all as the national government’s partners in combatting the trade of illegal drugs, criminality, terrorism, climate change, health crisis, and other current issues.

“With your help, I am confident that we can leave behind a lasting legacy of ‘Malasakit at Tunay na Pagbabago’ for the benefit of our people,” President Duterte ended.

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