Rodrigo Duterte sworn in as 16th president of the Philippines

June 30, 2016, the Philippines ushers in a new president of the country, Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

A simple, low key event took place today with Duterte and his family helping their father bring together a nation.

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Only state media was allowed to attend the ceremony at the Malacañang Palace.

Duterte, 13th president,
Rodrigo Duterte Sworn in as 13th President – www.plnmedia.com

Duterte has told the media that he wishes to keep the ceremony simple – even going as far as saying he has no desire to be driven around in the presidential limousine, a bullet-proof Mercedes Benz.

The new President instead wishes to travel in a pick-up truck. He also spoke earlier in his campaign that he does not wish to live in the Malacañang, and will commute daily from Davao to Manila – a two hour trip each way.

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The 71-year-old President came to fame while overseeing Davao City for the past 22 years. He was sworn into office wearing a simple pineapple fiber Barong Tagalag made by a Davao fashion house specifically for the ceremony.

The Philippines new vice-president, Leni Robredo, was sworn in at a separate but simultaneous ceremony.

 

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