Marcos sworn in as Philippines’ 17th president
Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos is now officially the Philippines’ 17th president after he took his oath of office at noon on Thursday at the National Museum grounds in the nation’s capital.
Marcos took the oath before Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, marking the return of the Marcos family to power – 36 years since the administration of his late father and namesake, former president Ferdinand Marcos.
Marcos wore a barong tagalog (a light, loose, long-sleeved shirt, the national dress of the Philippines) designed by Pepito Albert. The design is said to be inspired by the military uniform worn during the Spanish colonial period.
Among the personalities present at the inauguration were members of the Marcos family including First Lady Liza Araneta, their children including representative-elect Sandro Marcos, and the president’s sisters Senator Imee Marcos and Irene Araneta.
The president’s mother – former first lady Imelda Marcos – was also present.
Marcos’ running mate Vice President Sara Duterte also attended the event.
Prior to his inauguration, Marcos went to Malacañang Palace to meet former leader Rodrigo Duterte, who was given departure honours.
During the inaugural, the Philippine national anthem was sung by Marcos election campaign supporter and actress Toni Gonzaga.
After an interfaith prayer, a civil-military parade displaying the assets and capabilities of the country’s law enforcement and defence agencies was held.
Marcos will return to Malacañang Palace for arrival honours. After which he is expected to lead a mass oath-taking of his Cabinet members.
An inaugural dinner will be held inside Malacañang, while a “people’s concert” will take place at around 9pm at Mendiola in Manila.
Marcos won the 2022 presidential race by a big margin, earning more than 31 million votes, while his closest rival, former vice president Leni Robredo, received 15 million.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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