Bongbong, Sara hear Mass on first day in office

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte began their first day in office by attending a Mass inside the Malacañang compound.

The Mass was held on Friday at the San Miguel Parish Church and was officiated by Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula, according to the information released by the Presidential News Desk.

Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo posted on Facebook a picture of Marcos and Duterte inside the church.

In his homily, Advincula called on the country's top leaders to "emulate the two traits of the Good Shepherd such as listening leadership and life-giving leadership.”

“As we meet in our offices and conference halls asking questions in our heads, may we be mindful of our people who ask questions in their empty stomachs…May we be leaders who listen to our people, especially the poor and marginalized,” the cardinal said.

“Jesus Christ is also a life-giving shepherd, a life-giving leader. He desires his flock to gain abundance and fullness of life, and he does this by laying down his own life for his sheep. He came not to be served, but to serve,” he added.

Advincula further asked government officials to seek good not only for some individuals or particular groups but for the entire Philippines.

“Guided by truth, urged by charity, and passionate for justice and peace, may you spend yourselves in the service of the common good,” he said.

He also urged the public to rally behind the new administration so that they could execute their mandate and fulfill their aspirations for the betterment of the country.

Those who attended the Mass included Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez, Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Presidential Management Staff Chief Naida Angping, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, and Tulfo.

On Thursday, Marcos succeeded Rodrigo Duterte, Sara's father, as leader of the country.  —VBL, GMA News