Re-elected chief executive Victor “Vico” Sotto took his oath as the Mayor of Pasig city at the Ynares Sports Center in Barangay Ugong. (Photo from Pasig PIO)
MANILA, Philippines — Incoming mayors of Metro Manila cities Pasig, Taguig, and Muntinlupa were sworn into office on Thursday, together with other local officials.
In the city of Pasig, re-elected chief executive Victor “Vico” Sotto took his oath as the Mayor of the city at the Ynares Sports Center in Barangay Ugong.
In his inaugural address, Sotto thanked his constituents, family, and supporters who he said helped him implement changes to the city he led.
“Hindi tayo nagpatinag, maaaring ako ang naging mukha ng pagbabago, maaaring ako ngayon ang namumuno bilang alkalde ninyo, pero ang totoo niyan ay hindi ko po ito kinaya kung ako lang po mag-isa,” Sotto said.
(We did not back down, I may have been the face of change, I may now be in charge as your mayor, but the truth is that I couldn’t have handled it if I was alone.)
He then said that he is confident that with the other newly-elected officials, the next three years will be even better than the last.
“Dahil sa mga kasama natin, kung ano nagawa natin ay mas mahihigitan pa natin sa susunod na tatlong taon,” he said in his speech.
(Because of those with us, what we have accomplished will be even greater in the next three years)
Vice Mayor Robert “Dodot” Jaworski Jr., Rep. Roman Romulo, and elected city councilors were also sworn into office during the same event.
Ma. Laarni “Lani” Cayetano was sworn in as the new mayor of Taguig City. (Photo from Taguig PIO)
Meanwhile, in Taguig City, Ma. Laarni “Lani” Cayetano was also sworn in as the new mayor at the Senator Renato “Companero” Cayetano Memorial Science & Technology High School in Barangay Ususan.
She then vowed, in her inaugural address, to intensify programs for the city leading to economic growth.
“We will revisit our business policies and strive to be the best city to invest and do business in,” she added.
Cayetano also promised to focus on the city’s peace and order, as well as health security.
Other officials also took their oaths, namely Arvin Alit for Vice Mayor, Ricardo Cruz Jr. for 1st District Representative and Pammy Zamora for 2nd District Representative, as well as 16 city councilors, eight each from Taguig’s first and second district.
Ruffy Biazon was sworn into office as mayor of Muntinlupa City. (Photo from Muntinlupa PIO)
In Muntinlupa City, Ruffy Biazon was also sworn into office as mayor on Thursday afternoon.
He, along with other officials took their oath of office at the Filinvest Tent in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
Biazon vowed to continue the foundation of good governance that outgoing Mayor Jaime Fresnedi has built throughout the years.
He also promised to usher in political reforms which aim to “leave behind the outdated, obsolete and overdue brand and style of politics and replace it with one that exemplifies professionalism, principles and proactivity.
“Maaaring may mga pagkakaiba tayo sa pinanggalingan, kaugalian at pananaw. Pero dapat tayo ay nagkakaisa sa hangarin na i-angat ang ating mga kababayan at ang ating lungsod. Sa ating pagkakaiba-iba, tayong lahat ay pare-parehong Muntinlupeño na ang pangarap ay magkaroon ng mapayapa, maayos at maginhawang buhay,” Biazon said in his inaugural address.
(We may have differences in backgrounds, customs and perspectives. But we must be united in the desire to uplift our countrymen and our city. In our diversity, we are all the same Muntinlupeño whose dream is to have a peaceful, orderly and comfortable life.)
The three mayors’ oath taking ceremonies coincided with Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s inauguration as the new head of state at the National Museum in Manila.