Photos: Ferdinand Marcos Jr. takes oath as Philippine president

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. delivers a speech after being sworn in at National Museum.

Manila: Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the namesake son of an ousted dictator, was sworn in as Philippine president Thursday in one of the greatest political comebacks in recent history but which opponents say was pulled off by whitewashing his family's image.

Ferdinand "BongBong" Marcos Jr., the Philippines' president, waves during a swearing-in ceremony at the Old Legislative Building in Manila, the Philippines, on Thursday, June 30, 2022.

His rise to power, 36 years after an army-backed 'People Power' revolt booted his father to global infamy, upends politics in the Asian democracy, where a public holiday, monuments and the Philippine Constitution stand as reminders of his father's tyrannical rule.

Douglas Emhoff (center), husband of US Vice President Kamala Harris, smiles as he attends the inauguration ceremonies.

Activists and survivors of the martial law-era under his father protested Marcos Jr.'s inauguration, which took place at a noontime ceremony at the steps of the National Museum in Manila. Thousands of police officers, including anti-riot contingents, SWAT commandos and snipers, were deployed in the bayside tourist district for security.

Outgoing Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is escorted as he reviews an honour guard as incoming President Ferdinand Marcos Jr looks on.

The Philippines has been among the worst-hit countries in Asia by the two-year coronavirus pandemic, after more than 60,000 deaths and extended lockdowns sent the economy to its worst recession since World War II and worsened poverty, unemployment and hunger.

Last week, Marcos Jr. announced he would serve as secretary of agriculture temporarily after he takes office to prepare for possible food supply emergencies. "I think the problem is severe enough," he said and added he has asked his key advisers to brace for "emergency situations, especially when it comes to food supply."

Congress last month proclaimed his landslide victory, as well as that of his running mate Sara Duterte, the daughter of the outgoing president, in the vice- presidential race.

Marcos Jr. received more than 31 million votes and Sara Duterte (left) more than 32 million of the more than 55 million votes cast in the May 9 election _ massive victories that will provide them robust political capital as they face tremendous challenges as well as doubts arising from their fathers' reputations.

BongBong Marcos stands with Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Bongbong Marcos stand with his mother Imelda Marcos, left, and his wife Maria Louise.

BongBong Marcos and Rodrigo Duterte, the outgoing president are displayed on a screen at the swearing-in ceremony at the Old Legislative Building in Manila.

Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines march at the swearing-in ceremony.

BongBong Marcos, accompanied by his wife Louise (L), and grandson and Congressman Sandro Marcos (2nd L) arrive at the Malacanang presidential palace.