Bongbong Marcos Inauguration as President: What to Expect
(UPDATE) President-elect Bongbong Marcos' inauguration on June 30 will be "solemn and simple", his office said on Tuesday as it disclosed details of what the public can expect during the event.
Except for some minor details, the program for Marcos' inauguration is all set, said Franz Imperial, one of the heads of the preparation committee.
“The program we have prepared is very solemn and simple. It would be very traditional dahil sabi nga ni BBM sa vlog niya, ‘hindi kami lilihis pa sa tradisyon,’” Imperial said in a statement.
The incoming president's inauguration is the ceremonial event marking the start of the six-year term of a new chief executive.
READ: How Bongbong Marcos, Wife and Sons are Preparing for Malacañang
Here's what to expect in Marcos' inauguration on June 30:
What is the inauguration program?
The day will begin with the traditional meeting of the outgoing president and his successor at Malacañang Palace before they travel, in separate vehicles, to the inauguration venue.
The inauguration proper, which will be held at the National Museum, will start with the singing of the National Anthem led by actress and vlogger Toni Gonzaga, who also hosted many of the incoming president's campaign events a few months back.
An ecumenical prayer will follow. There will also be a 30-minute military-civic parade, followed by the singing of the inauguration song "Pilipinas Kong Mahal" to be performed by theater actress Cris Villonco and the Young Voices of the Philippines choir.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo will administer the oath of office to Marcos.
Imperial initially said the president-elect would not be using a teleprompter during his inaugural address, but this was changed at the last minute to show the outline of Marcos' speech and to ensure sequencing and coherence.
Among those expected to attend Marcos' inauguration are members of his family, Vice President-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio, and their political friends and allies.
Duterte-Carpio had taken her oath last June 19 so that she could attend the inauguration of her presidential running mate.
After the inauguration proper, Marcos will return to Malacañang for the mass oath-taking of his Cabinet appointees and the inaugural dinner. A thanksgiving concert will also be held in the evening.
What will Marcos wear in his inauguration?
A contest has been initiated to determine the best barong design Marcos will wear for his inauguration, spearheaded by his sister Irene, said Jay Herrera, the incoming president's official image specialist for the past eight years.
For the morning events, Marcos will wear a modern barong inspired by the rayodillo, the traditional uniform of military men during the Spanish era, while he will don a fully-embroidered barong from Taal for the evening's activities.
Both barongs were designed by Pepito Albert, as well as the attires that will be worn by Marcos' sons, his mother former First Lady Imelda Marcos, and sister Irene. The terno that Marcos' wife, incoming First Lady Liza Marcos, will wear was designed by Lesley Mobo made from vintage piña fabric.
READ: Who is Liza Marcos, Incoming First Lady of the Philippines?
Herrera said he would assist in dressing Marcos for the occasion.
“Hindi siya vanidoso, hindi siya ganun ka-conscious sa kanyang appearance. Si Sir, kung ano ang itsura niya pagkaligo niya, okay na sa kanya yun. As is, where is. Kaya minsan may mga pictures siya na may part ng buhok niya na nakatikwas,” he said.
“Kaya yung mga ganun ang babantayan ko para ma-maintain ang dignified appearance niya. Kailangan maayos siya tingnan lagi," he added.
How are presidential inaugurations traditionally held?
The 1987 Constitution mandates the presidential inauguration to take place on June 30, with the oath-taking happening at exactly 12 noon.
Since 1992, the first inauguration ceremony to occur after the current Constitution took effect, the event has traditionally begun with the president-elect fetching the outgoing chief executive in Malacañang Palace on the morning of June 30.
The president-elect will wait for the incumbent to descend the grand staircase at the Palace's State Entrance. Upon meeting, the two leaders would greet each other and head towards the inauguration venue aboard any of the presidential cars.
Following protocol, the outgoing president takes the back right-hand seat of the car, while the president-elect is seated behind the chauffeur.
Upon arriving at the inauguration venue, the outgoing president will be welcomed with the arrival honors and then shake hands with his successor. The outgoing president will then conduct a final troop review and is presented to the public before departing the venue aboard his private vehicle.
The inauguration proper will begin, and the president of the Senate will read the Joint Resolution of the Joint Congressional Board of Canvassers proclaiming the newly elected president and vice president.
Once the incoming president has taken oath, a 21-gun salute is immediately fired. This will be followed by the delivery of the inaugural address.
After the inauguration proper, the new president will return to Malacañang to formally take possession of the residence. He will then induct the members of his Cabinet on the same day and hold their first meeting.
An inaugural reception is held in the evening for other officials and foreign dignitaries.
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