President Rodrigo Roa Duterte swears into office the newly-appointed government officials during the oath-taking ceremony at the Malacañan Palace on January 8, 2020. VALERIE ESCALERA/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Wednesday led the mass oath-taking in Malacanang of newly- appointed government officials saying he expects them to remain committed in pursuing the administration’s development agenda.
Speaking before the newly sworn-in officials, President Duterte said he looks forward to having the new officials become national government partners in the administration’s efforts to intensify the fight against illegal drugs, criminality, terrorism, corruption, and other social ills.
“With your commitment, it is our shared task of nation-building, I am confident that we can march forward with renewed zeal as we steer our country to greater heights,” the President said.
He reminded the new civil servants to keep in mind that there would be greater challenges ahead hoping that their mandates will inspire them to boost the morale, promote efficiency and integrity, and raise the standards of public service in their respective offices.
The new officials will have his utmost trust and confidence, the Chief Executive said, adding he wants them to exemplify honor and excellence in the fulfillment of their duties as servant leaders in the government service.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte swears into office the newly-appointed government officials during the oath-taking ceremony at the Malacañan Palace on January 8, 2020. KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
“I trust that you will help me sustain our people’s faith in the bureaucracy. Remember that you have a vital role in upholding good governance, transparency and accountability in all of your transactions with the public,” he said, reiterating that ensuring people’s welfare and improving their lives are of utmost importance for the administration.
Earlier, President Duterte administered the oath of Samuel H. Gaerlan as new associate justice of the Supreme Court (SC), expecting the new SC member to help fight corruption in government and to stand with the truth.
Associate Justice Gaerlan graduated from San Beda College of Law. Like President Duterte, he is also a member of the Lex Talionis Fraternitas. The new SC associate justice was also a professor at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM).
Prior to becoming an associate justice of the Court of Appeals (CA), Gaerlan was a former Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) lawyer.
Gaerlan will complete the 15-member SC, filling the position recently vacated by Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta upon his appointment as SC chief.
Gaerlan was accompanied by his wife and two sons during the oath-taking rites.
