Duterte takes oath as PH’s 16th President

Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday  took his oath of office as the 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Duterte took his oath before Supreme Court Associate Justice Bienvenido Reyes at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañang Palace at 12 noon.

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The Chief Executive wore a barong Tagalog made from piña jusi fabric designed by Boni Adaza of Davao-based fashion house Chardin.

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His daughter Veronica, also known as “Kitty,” held the Bible as he took his oath.

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Duterte’s common-law wife Cielito “Honeylet” Avanceña was present during the inauguration. His ex-wife Elizabeth Zimmerman and children Paolo, Sara and Sebastian were also present.

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The inauguration was witnessed by members of the diplomatic corps, incoming Cabinet members and lawmakers.

After his oathtaking, Duterte will administer the mass oathtaking of his Cabinet members.

Full military honors will also be given to the Chief Executive at around 1 p.m. before he holds his first official Cabinet meeting at around 2 p.m. IDL/rga

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