New Philippine Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo took her oath as the country's second-highest elected official at the Quezon City Reception House in New Manila on Thursday.
Robredo was sworn in by the chairmen of two barangays (villages) from Camarines Sur and Quezon City, Rolando Coner of Barangay Punta Tarawal and Regina Celeste San Miguel of Barangay Mariana respectively, at the new home of the Office of the Vice President here.
In her inaugural speech, Robredo called for unity and gave primal focus to the poor and marginalized.
“Naniniwala ako na sa panahong tila may mga matitinding hidwaan na nangyayari sa mundong kinagagalawan natin, ang hamon sa atin ay magsama-sama. Paigtingin ang ating pagkakaisa at gawing lakas, hindi hadlang ang ating pagkakaiba, (I believe that in times when severe conflicts occur in the world where we live in, the challenge is for us to unite. Let us strengthen our unity and set aside our differences)” said Robredo.
“Ang ating pagtutulungan ay ang ating pinakamabisang puhunan. Napatunayan natin na hindi sagabal sa anumang kakulangan ang totoo, tapat, at pursigidong paglilingkod, (Our cooperation is our strongest asset. We have proven that a true, honest and steadfast service will fill in any gaps)” she added.
The Vice President also pledged to combat hunger and food insecurity, provide universal health coverage, and improve education, people empowerment and rural development, among others.
Among the guests in her “modest” inauguration include members of the Liberal Party (LP), Senate and House of Representatives, as well as people behind Robredo's campaign for the May election.
After the inauguration, Robredo will join her supporters in a gathering at the Quezon City Memorial Circle at 5:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, incoming Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will hold his inauguration at Malacañang on Thursday noon which will be attended by about 600 guests.
Deviating from tradition, this is the first time in recent where the two highest elected officials had opted to be sworn in to office separately.
Robredo topped the tight vice presidential race with 14,418,817 votes as compared to Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.'s 14,155,344 votes.
Robredo was inaugurated as the 14th Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines. (PNA)
