Newly elected Philippines Pres. swears in office

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 (KUNA) -- Newly elected Philippines President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, swore in office Thursday, succeeding Rodrigo Duterte, whose daughter Sara Duterte swore in office as Vice President two weeks ago.
The 17th president spoke to his people during inauguration ceremony dubbing this a momentous occasion as the people have voted against policy of division, reported the Philippine media.
More than 15,000 police officers dispersed across the capital to insure smooth sailing of coronation, as hundreds of local and foreign personnel were in attendance including Chinese Vice-President Wang Qishan, and United States second gentleman Douglas Emhoff, husband of VP Kamala Harris.
Marcos Jr achieved a sweeping win with 60 percent of the vote, as some 31 million chose him as their president, compared to his rival's, Leni Robredo VP of outgoing president, 14 million votes.
His victory marks a comeback of the Marcos family into the political scene, as his father ruled the Philippines for more than two decades until his exile in 1986.(end) aab.aai