BEFORE stepping down yesterday, President Duterte urged the public anew to support his successor, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., whom he personally welcomed at Malacanang for a tíªte-í -tíªte in his last act as Chief Executive.
As part of tradition, Duterte received Marcos atop the Malacanang stairs and led him to the anteroom of the Presidential Hall for the customary signing of the guest book.
They had a short meeting, highlighted by Duterte introducing some of his Cabinet members to Marcos. Before the arrival of Marcos, Duterte had thanked his Cabinet members and had photos taken with them.
After an exchange of pleasantries and photo opportunities, the two descended the Malacanang stairs and walked out of the Palace, also part of tradition.
Duterte was then accorded farewell honors by members of the Armed Forces and the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the Palace grounds. He thanked the PSG and military for the honor and told them he would never forget it.
After this, the outgoing Cabinet members chanted “Duterte” and clapped while the outgoing and incoming presidents greeted them.
Marcos sent off Duterte after the event. Several minutes later, Marcos left for his inauguration at the National Museum.
On his last night as President, Duterte received Vice President Wang Qishan of China and Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi of Japan during separate courtesy calls at the Bulwagang Kalayaan of the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
Duterte also attended the final send-off ceremony held by the officers and personnel of the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing’s (PAW) and a thanksgiving gathering of the Partido Demokratiko Lakas ng Bayan in his honor.
CITIZEN DUTERTE
Former National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said Duterte skipped the inauguration. He dropped by Bahay Pagbabago, across Malacanang, which served as his residence in Manila before taking a commercial flight to Davao.
Photos of Duterte dropping by a mall in Makati City circulated on social media. He had dropped by the mall several times in the past to shop for watches, shoes and clothes.
Duterte, who repeatedly said he would remain an enemy of illegal drugs and drug syndicates, may consider teaching while in Davao City, apart from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
The country’s 16th President is known for his war against illegal drugs program, his fight against criminality and corruption, the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program, and for leading the country in the campaign against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, among others.
The President also renewed and strengthened the country’s ties with non-traditional partners such as Russia and China under his independent foreign policy.
Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara said the past six years of the Duterte administration “were some of the most challenging in the country’s history” but the former Chief Executive’s “strong political will and outstanding management skills” made the country better.
Angara issued the statement as Rodrigo Duterte stepped down as the country’s 16th president, ending his six-year term.
“The past six years of the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte were some of the most challenging in the country’s history. But with a strong political will and outstanding management skills, President Duterte tackled the drug menace head-on and made good on his promise to make the country a safer place for Filipinos,” Angara said.
“President Digong can now enjoy his life in retirement knowing that he has left the country in good hands and that the new administration will build on his legacy,” he added
He said the Duterte administration was most challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic and added the former president’s administration “was able to navigate a path towards recovery — something that his successor, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. can build on his legacy.”
Angara said he is looking forward to working with the new administration.
“We are also confident that our new President Marcos will lead the country to new heights. With the votes of over 31 million Filipinos behind him, President Bongbong can be assured of the support of a strong majority of the country for his policies and programs, many of which have already been laid out in the past weeks,” he said.
Sen. Joel Villanueva hailed Marcos for giving importance to the labor sector in his inaugural speech.
“We will coordinate with the economic managers of the new administration, especially with incoming DMW Sec. (Susan) Toots Ople and incoming labor Sec. Bienvenido Laguesma, so we can work on programs for the welfare and development of our workers” Villanueva said.
Sen. Raffy Tulfo congratulated Marcos on his assumption as the country’s 17th president and praised him for ensuring the welfare of overseas Filipino workers.
“I will match his pledge of ‘no excuses’ with legislation and public service. I believe this is what our country needs to be able to cope with the hardships brought about by the pandemic,” Tulfo said.
“In the 19th Congress, our response to President Marcos Jr. will be specific actions in terms of bills on OFWs, healthcare frontliners, implementation of universal health care, and reforms and efficiency at PhilHealth. I will push for more international agreements protecting our migrant workers all over the world, so our OFWs’ welfare will be advanced,” he added. — With Raymond Africa
