Duterte takes office this week looking to end the domination of “Imperial Manila” with a radical shift to federalism that he says is vital to fighting poverty and ending a deadly Muslim separatist insurgency. / AFP PHOTO / MANMAN DEJETO
MANILA, Philippines (Eagle News) — Incoming and President Elect Rodrigo Duterte will be inaugurated as the 16th President of the Philippines on Thursday, June 30.
Duterte is the first president hailing from Mindanao.
In a radio interview in Radyo Agila, incoming Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) head Martin Andanar , said a dry run was conducted to ensure the smooth transition as well as the positioning of guests and visitors in the two-hour inauguration.
No lavish inauguration rites: Durian, adobo, maruya, buko juice in the menu
Duterte promised to do away with lavish inauguration rites that will inconvenience Filipinos with cost and heavy traffic.
Duterte’s inauguration would be held in the confines of Malacañang instead of the traditional Quirino Grandstand.
He also said the menu would also be simple. Instead of wine, the guests would be served buko juice, adobo, durian and maruya.
After the inauguration, Duterte will hold a modest diplomatic reception — which is expected to be a stark contrast to the lavish traditional vin d’honneur hosted at the palace for the members of the diplomatic corps.
Dispensing with highly paid couturiers and stylists, Duterte will wear a simple barong Tagalog made in Davao and corduroy slacks.
First inauguration of a president in Asia to be live streamed via facebook
Another historic event in Duterte’s inauguration will be the live streaming of the gathering via Facebook.
After meeting with Facebook Asia Pacific Executives, Andanar said Duterte is poised to become the very first president in Asia whose inauguration will be broadcast through the world’s largest social network.
Andanar said the modest preparations were in respect to the wishes of Duterte, who is also known for his simplicity.
