Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez took his oath of office as 1st District Representative administered by his father, former city mayor and now a barangay chairman in San Dionisio, Pablo Olivarez.
Olivarez' younger brother, mayor-elect Eric, and son Pablo who won as councilor, also took their oath before the former chief executive known in the city as “Mayor Kap.”
The mayor was emotional in giving his last and final message to all his department heads and employees during the flag-raising ceremony held at the City hall quadrangle on Monday, June 27.
Olivarez said it was very hard for him when he won as city mayor in 2013 because majority of those who won in the election were from other political affiliation.
He said it was a big challenge for him to urged the elected officials to set aside political colors and help each other for the city's progress.
The mayor said he is grateful for the opportunity given to him to serve as city mayor.
Olivarez, who served in Laguna for 10 years as provincial board member and vice governor, said he used this experience to serve the city with honesty and integrity.
He said that as the representative of the first district, he will file an amendment to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Charter for not receiving a single peso in casino revenue.
The mayor said the amendment to the PAGCOR Charter will not be a parochial issue and all the host cities of casinos need to receive a share of the casino revenues.
Olivarez said the local government unit is the one taking care of the peace and order, health and social services in the areas where the casinos are located.