President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday administered the mass oath-taking of select newly elected local officials from across the country including 13 Bohol officials led by outgoing Governor and Congressman-elect Edgar Chatto.

Chatto, reelected mayors Tita Gallentes of Garcia Hernandez, Pureza Chatto of Balilihan, Miriam Sumaylo of Dauis, and Baba Yap of Tagbilaran City, reelected Tagbilaran Vice Mayor Toto Veloso and Clarin Vice Mayor-elect Allen Piezas and six councilors from Garcia Hernandez took oath before Duterte at the Rizal Hall in Malacañang.

According to Veloso, Governor-elect Arthur Yap and Vice Governor-elect Rene Relampagos were also invited but both were abroad.

Following the oath-taking, Duterte congratulated the newly elected officials, which Veloso estimated to be at around 200.

“I extend my warmest congratulations to our newly elected officials. Our celebration today is not only for you and your families, but also for the people who have voted and placed their trust in you,” said Duterte.

The President also expressed hope that the officials will work in line with the administration’s “values.”

“I hope that you will also embody the values that this administration stands for. I look forward to working with you as we continue to take further strides towards building a nation that is more progressive, more dynamic and filled with opportunities for every Filipino,” Duterte added.

Veloso said they were invited through text message by a staff member of the Office of the President’s Appointments Office through Senator-elect Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go.

“Ang ga-invite agto SAP Bong Go Movement man,” said Veloso said.

The invitation was strictly for participants of the oath-taking as the officials were not allowed to bring guests.

“Gasugod g’yud pag anha ni Duterte. Diha mi sa Malacañang kay kinahilanglan by 4:30 naa na mi tanan. Mao my gitext. Wa yamoy kuyog tanan. Kinahilanglan kadto rang mga mo take oath na gi-invite,” Veloso added. (RT)