2nd LD Writethru: Rodrigo Duterte sworn in as new Philippine president

Rodrigo Duterte was sworn in as the 16th president of the Philippines on Thursday.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Bienvenido Reyes administered the oath of office at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall in Malacanang, the presidential palace. Duterte's children, namely Paolo, Sara, Sebastian and Veronica stood witness. He signed his oath of office afterwards.

In his inaugural speech, Duterte promised the Filipinos that his administration will make a change to the country, a message he has been sending out since he started presidential campaign.

"Change must start with us and in us ... We have become our own worst enemies, and we must have the courage and the will to change ourselves," he said.

To make a difference, Duterte vowed to fight criminality, the sale of illegal drugs, and corruption.

"I have seen how corruption bled government of funds. I have seen how illegal drugs destroy individuals and ruin families' relationships," said Duterte.

He assured the Filipinos that he will adhere to due process and the rule of law.

"I know the limits of the power and authority of the president. I know what is legal and what is not," he said.

Duterte has been carrying out his anti-crime program which includes plans to reintroduce the death penalty, issuing shoot-to-kill orders to the security services and offering them bounties for the bodies of drug dealers.

The 71-year-old politician, however, stressed that a more serious problem facing the Philippines is "erosion of faith and trust in government."

"I see the erosion of the people's trust in our country's leaders; the erosion of faith in our judicial system; the erosion of confidence in the capacity of our public servants to make the people's lives better, safer and healthier," said Duterte.

He added that he had already ordered government departments to take a more pragmatic approach in serving the people.

Duterte said he had directed all department secretaries and the heads of agencies to reduce requirements and processing time of all applications from the submission to the release, remove redundant requirements, and refrain from changing and bending the rules of government contracts, transactions and projects already approved and awaiting implementation.

"I abhor secrecy and instead advocate transparency in all government contracts, projects and business transactions from submission of proposals to negotiation to perfection and finally, to consummation," said Duterte.

He also stressed the importance of lifting the poor out of poverty.

"I have seen how corruption bled the government of funds, which were allocated for the use in uplifting the poor from the mire that they are in," said Duterte.

The former Davao City Mayor won the Philippine presidential election held on May 9 with 16,601,997 votes, a lead of almost 7 million over the second-placer Manuel Roxas.

As for the peace process with leftists and rebels, Duterte said his "administration is committed to implement all signed peace agreements in step with constitutional and legal reforms."

Maria Leonor Robredo was sworn in as Vice President earlier on Thursday in Quezon City where she will hold office for a six-year term.

In her inaugural speech, the 52-year-old politician called for unity and promised to bring prosperity to the Filipinos, especially the poor. Enditem