Duterte eyeing 150 guests for low-key inauguration

Duterte eyeing 150 guests for low-key inauguration

Davao City (CNN Philippines) — Rodrigo Duterte wants a frugal inaugural affair at the Malacañang Palace when he takes his oath as president on June 30, with only 150 guests who will be served light snacks.

Duterte told reporters in a late night news conference Monday that his guests would include retired generals and diplomats.
Five-minute inaugural speech

He said finger food would be served before he takes his oath because "there will be no eating after" that.

Duterte said it will be a quick ceremony which will be followed by a five-minute speech on national television to spell out his administration's plans and policies.

He said he wants a simple inauguration and refuses to hold it at the Quirino Grandstand where several presidents have taken their oaths of office.

Seven presidents have been inaugurated at the Quirino Grandstand: Elpidio Quirino (1949), Ramon Magsaysay (1953), Carlos P. Garcia (1957), Diosdado Macapagal (1961), Ferdinand Marcos (1965, 1969, 1981), Fidel Ramos (1992), and President Benigno S. Aquino III (2010).

He said he does not want to burden people with the heavy traffic that a Quirino Grandstand inauguration may cause.

Duterte said he also is looking for a Barong Tagalog made of cotton because the traditional barong made of jusi or piña cloth is "makati sa katawan [itchy]."
Davao or Malacañang?

Duterte said he's "still having a hard time deciding" where he will live as president – in Malacañang or back home in Davao City.

He said he doesn't want to stay in Bahay Pangarap, because of the high cost of electricity that will be incurred by the government for that facility.

Bahay Pangarap, which is inside the Presidential Security Group compound, has been the official residence of President Benigno Aquino III during his six-year presidency.