6 new DOJ officials take oath, called on to uphold rule of law

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Frederick Vida called on the six new department officials to uphold the rule of law as they took their oath last Monday, February 2  in a ceremony held at the DOJ’s Justice Hall. 

 “Your appointments carry a duty to serve with integrity, urgency, and accountability. Our marching order is clear: deliver real justice for all in real time, justice that is accessible, responsive, and felt by every Filipino,” Vida said in his message. 

Sworn into office were Undersecretary Majken Anika S. Gran-Ong, Assistant Secretary Maria Charina Buena-Dy Po, Assistant Secretary Jose Marino Bernandez, Assistant Secretary Maria Elisa Germar, Director IV for Administrative Service Leonyda Angostora, and Director IV for Financial Service Emmanuel Lowell Pandaan. 

Further, the DOJ chief reminded the newly-sworn officials that leadership in government is ultimately about service and moral responsibility. 

“At the end of the day, your appointments are all about serving our constituents; it is all about public service. Sa atin pong lahat, ituloy natin ang paglilingkod. This is always a journey. We are consequences of our past actions,” said Vida. 

(At the end of the day, your appointments are all about serving our constituents; it is all about public service. To all of us, let us continue our service. This is always a journey. We are consequences of our past actions) 

“Maging matibay tayo sa ating paninidigan, at isabuhay natin ang diwa ng tatlong panunumpa: sa Watawat, bilang Lingkod-BAyan, at tungko sa Bagong Pilipinas,” he added. 

(Let us be firm in our convictions, and let us embody the spirit of the three oaths: to the Flag, as a Public Servant, and toward a new Philippines.) —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News