Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte underscored in his inaugural speech on Friday that despite facing the administration’s machinery in the last elections, Davao City emerged victorious.
Duterte, together with the newly-elected members of the City Council from the three districts of Davao City and re-elected Third District Representative Isidro Ungab, took his oath of office at the session hall of Sangguniang Panlungsod.
The vice mayor took his oath before Associate Justice Jill Rose Jaugan-Lo.
“Money did not win—principles did,” said Duterte.
He said those who sought to divide the people were all defeated.
“We crushed them. This resounding victory was not only felt in Davao City but also echoed in key cities across Visayas and Luzon. For that, we are forever grateful,” he said.
The oath-taking ceremony was attended by Duterte’s sister, Vice President Sara, mother Elizabeth Zimmerman and his family.
According to the vice mayor, the inauguration showed the government official’s honor for the trust that the Dabawenyos have given to them.
Duterte underscored that government officials owe this renewed mandate to everyone who believes in transparency, accountability, peace, and security.
“Now, we turn our focus to the work ahead.The past three years have been remarkable for Davao City,” he said.
He also expressed his gratitude to the barangay officials, the safety and security cluster, the entire workforce of the city government of Davao, and the hardworking DCplinadong Dabawenyos.
“We have come this far because of all of you,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ceremony was also graced by the members of PDP-Laban led Senators Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, along with lawyer Raul Lambino, lawyer Vic Rodriguez, lawyer Jimmy Bondoc, lawyer Jayvee Hinlo, Dr. Richard Mata and Philip Salvador, officials from the security sector and families of the newly-elected officials.
