Paolo Duterte vows to author Mindanao-centric laws

DAVAO CITY –– Representative-elect Paolo Duterte of the first district of this city promised to bring to Congress laws that will ensure greater attention to the development and growth of Mindanao.

“Our main agenda is not only development and change but meaningful development and positive change. Our vision is not only for our beloved city to experience great progress. Because we also hope to see our progress spilling through the (Davao) region and across Mindanao,” the presidential son in a speech after taking his oath of office before Judge Rufino Ferrariz at the Davao City session hall on Friday, June 21.

Duterte added that his priority in the 18th Congress would be laws that would usher in livelihood, generate jobs, improve infrastructure, provide educational opportunities to the less fortunate children and the youth, and bring about sustainable development across sectors, especially in the countryside.

“In the next three years, let us work together in unity and, hand-in-hand, we will achieve our dreams as a family growing together under one home — a home, a city, that is more progressive, more dynamic, and responsive to the needs of the people — taking off from the concrete gains of the current leadership,” he said.

Duterte said he would take the opportunity and the challenge presented to him as the elected congressman with optimism, courage, determination, and hope to serve the people of Davao.

He also thanked his father, President Duterte, and his mother Elizabeth Zimmerman, for the support given to him.

Zimmerman and Paolo’s sister Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio were present during the oathtaking ceremony.

President Duterte is expected to be in the same venue at 4 p.m. today to administer the oath of office of his youngest son, Sebastian, as the elected vice mayor of Davao City.  (Editor: Leti Z. Boniol)