Jejomar Binay takes oath as vice president

Jejomar Cabauatan Binay formally took his oath of office as the Vice President of the Philippines at the Quirino Grandstand on Wednesday. Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales swore him in while Binay's wife, Elenita, held a Bible on which the vice president placed his left hand. Earlier, Binay arrived at the inaugural site on board a green electronic jeepney (e-Jeepney) that was labeled "B-Jeep." He came from the Manila Hotel. In the recent May 10 elections, the former Makati City mayor received more than 14.6 million votes, only 727,084 votes ahead of closest rival Sen. Manuel Roxas II. Roxas, President-elect Benigno Aquino III's running mate, was not seen at the inauguration rites at the grandstand. Binay gained recognition for his leadership in Makati, one of the most progressive Philippine cities which he and his family have ruled for more than two decades. However, his rule had been tainted by several allegations of corruption, of which Binay denied involvement. Because the program went ahead of schedule, several musical numbers had to precede Binay's oath-taking. Christian Bautista sang "You Raise Me Up" and the APO Hiking Society performed their own number. The inaugural song "Bagong Pilipinas" was performed by various artists like Bautista, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Gary Valenciano, Jed Madela, and Mae Paner who is also known as Juana Change. Noel Cabangon also sung a number of songs about change. — Sophia Dedace/RSJ, GMANews.TV