THE 16TH president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the tough-talking Davao City mayor  catapulted to the highest office in the land in the May 10 elections, was inaugurated into office last June 30, Thursday, at Malacañang Palace.

Guests came in Filipiniana attire, as did the President’s family, led by children Paolo, Sara, Baste and Veronica, albeit with less bling, and consistent with the President’s laid-back style—he even kept  his barong collar unbuttoned.

Chosen guests from government and the diplomatic corps were present at the high noon swearing-in and partook of the very Filipino refreshments by Glenda Barretto’s Via Mare.

After the ceremony, the President convened his Cabinet; after all, he did say he was “ready to work.”