By Manny Piñol
True to his commitment that he will not squander people’s money for lavish celebrations, Rodrigo Roa Duterte will be sworn in by a Supreme Court Justice as the country’s 16th President with only 500 officials and guests invited to Malacañang.
President-elect Duterte, during the last meeting of the cabinet secretaries-designate, told us that we all have to come by our lonesome and that we could not bring any member of our family because of the lack of space.
“I’m sorry but I cannot invite many people to my inauguration because the space in Malacañang could only accommodate 500 people,” he told us.
He said the guest list would include people very close to him and those who helped him during the campaign.
Members of the diplomatic corps would be among the 500 people who will witness the Presidential inauguration.It’s final: Only 150 guests for Duterte’s inauguration
The simple oath taking ceremony preferred by the President was confirmed by special assistant Christopher “Bong” Go, in an interview with Sun.Star Davao Saturday night.
“Limited space lang. Sorry to all the supporters na hindi pwedeng makapunta. The mayor (President-elect) would only like to have a very simple inauguration. Ayaw niya ng magastos,” Go said in a story by Ivy C. Tejano.
Here are parts of Tejano’s report which appeared in Sun.Star Davao today.”
“He added that Duterte does not want to burden people with the heavy traffic on the day of his inauguration since it is on a Thursday, a regular working day for the majority.
“Go said he has been meeting with his staff to finalize the preparation for Duterte’s inauguration.
He added that the guests will include retired generals and diplomats.
“Ordinaryong pagkain lang. The mayor wants his inauguration very simple. The food will be served before he takes his oath after that, wala na. Main reason was his campaign promise,” Go said.
“Duterte will take his oath before the Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Bienvenido Reyes at Rizal Ceremonial Hall in Malacañang before delivering a speech on his plans and policies.
“Go said Duterte will be wearing a Barong Tagalog made of cotton.”
Traditionally, incoming Philippine Presidents hold their inauguration at the Quirino Grandstand in the Rizal Park (formerly Luneta) witnessed by thousands.
During the presidential campaign, however, Duterte promised that his inauguration will be simple.
(President Duterte’s photo downloaded from toplistnetwork.com)
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