Marcos Jr. sworn-in as 17th Philippine president

ISTANBUL

Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son of a former dictator, was sworn-in as the 17th president of Philippines on Thursday.

Known as “Bongbong,” the 64-year-old won a landslide victory in last month’s presidential election.

He took the oath of office in a public ceremony at the National Museum in Manila, which was attended by supporters, as well as local and foreign dignitaries and journalists.

His inauguration marks the return of Marcos family to rule Philippines, 36 years after late president Ferdinand Marcos was ousted in a popular revolt in 1986. He died in 1989 in exile.

Marcos Jr. succeeds President Rodrigo Duterte, whose six-year term has ended. The two met before the swearing-in at the Malacanan Palace, the official residence of the Philippine head of state.

Sara Duterte, the former president's daughter, was sworn in as the country’s 15th vice president on June 20.

Born in 1957, Marcos Jr. was first elected to the country’s House of Representatives in 1992. He also served as a senator from 2010 to 2016, and in 2016 lost his vice-presidential bid to Leni Robredo.

In his inaugural address, Marcos Jr. vowed to fulfill his mandate to serve and protect fellow Filipinos.

"This is a historic moment for us all," he said. "You picked me to be your servant to enable changes to benefit all. I fully understand the gravity of the responsibility that you have put on my shoulders. I do not take it lightly, but I am ready for the task."

His wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and their three sons also graced the formal inauguration ceremony.