Rep. Lord Allan Velasco of Marinduque’s lone district will continue his “honest and compassionate public service” as he takes inspiration from his friend, Vice President-elect Sara Duterte.

Velasco, who will reportedly be replaced by Leyte (1st District) Rep. Martin Romualdez as House Speaker in the 19th Congress, was sworn into office by Supreme Court Associate Justice Jhosep Lopez at Marinduque Sports Complex in Boac on Sunday.

Duterte held the Bible during Velasco’s oath-taking. She was welcomed upon arrival by Velasco and his father, Governor Presby Velasco.

“Sa bawat pagsubok at hamon na ating kinaharap sa Kongreso, iisa lamang po ang aking pangunahing gabay — ang pag-ibig. Pag-ibig sa Panginoon, pag-ibig sa bayan at pag-ibig sa pamilya. Ito ang nagpapabangon sa atin tuwing umaga upang gawin ang lahat ng ating makakaya upang lalong bumuti ang kalagayan ng ating bayan at ng ating bansa (For every challenge that I faced in Congress, I am guided by my love for God, country, and family. It gives me strength to wake up every morning so that I could do my best to uplift the lives of Filipinos and the country),” Velasco said in his inaugural speech.

He urged the youth to believe in themselves and to achieve more for their families, communities, and the country.

“Kaya nating itakda ang sariling tadhana dahil tayo ang susunod na pagbabago (We could chart our own destiny since we will be the future that will bring about change),” he said.

Velasco, who will serve his third consecutive term, ran unopposed and garnered more than 100,000 votes. (PNA)