Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
July 17, 2017

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte administered the oath of office to newly-appointed government officials and officers of various organizations in a simple ceremony at the Rizal Hall of Malacañan Palace.

The oath-takers included appointees to the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS), Actors Guild of the Philippines, ALIW Awards Foundation, Katipunan ng mga Artistang Pilipino sa Pelikula at Telebisyon, National Council of Women of the Philippines, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) – Philippine National Police (PNP) Press Corps Southern Mindanao, and officers of the Republic Defenders.

In his speech, President Duterte welcomed the new officials and officers to public service and conveyed that he entrusts them to uphold their oath of office and maintain integrity in the performance of their duties and responsibilities.

He emphasized that just like them, he too is a “government worker” and recalled his more than twenty (20) years as Davao City mayor, particularly citing his simplicity of lifestyle as inculcated to him by his father who was also a public servant of Davao province.

At the same time, he reminded his fellow government workers not to be blinded with their authority and not to abuse the power that comes with their respective positions.

“I do not want corruption,” is the President’s stern warning and primary message to the oath-takers.

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