By Isabella Magno

Davao City Mayor and presidential daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio took her oath as the country’s 15th Vice President at San Pedro Square, Davao City, on Sunday, June 19.

Although the deviation from the traditional inauguration day sparked controversy, Duterte-Carpio pushed through taking the oath of office 11 days before the traditional June 30. 

Her father, outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte, President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo were also in attendance.

Before the oath-taking, the vice president-elect gave her inaugural speech, emphasizing the importance of having a committed heart to honoring the Lord, protecting the integrity of families, and serving the country and the fellowmen. 

“The voice of 32.2 million Filipinos was loud and clear, with the message to serve our motherland. And this message has been reiterated in my oath: to consecrate myself to the service of the nation. […] If we all take a moment to listen to the call to serve and decide to heed the call, […] I believe the country will be heading toward a future of hope, security, strength, stability, and progress,” she said.

She also thanked everyone who came despite the fact that the event was held on Father’s Day. 

“Today is Father’s Day. This is a time for families to celebrate, but you are here with me. Daghang salamat sa inyong pagtambong ug pagkuyog kanako niining adlawa.”

[Today is Father’s Day. This is a time for families to celebrate, but you are here with me. Thank you so much for attending and supporting me today.]

“Ako po si Inday Sara. A proud Davaoena. A proud Mindanaoan. Hindi ako ang pinakamagaling, o pinakamatalinong tao sa Pilipinas at sa mundo, ngunit walang makakatalo sa tibay ng puso ko bilang isang Pilipino,” she concluded. 

The oath-taking was administered by Supreme Court Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando. Watch the full coverage here.

Photo from GMA News