Duterte Wants Frugal, Simple Inauguration; Short Inaugural Speech

Davao City — With 36 days left to the inauguration of a new president, incoming President Rodrigo Duterte admitted people are prodding him to practice presidential protocol for his June 30 oath-taking.

He however said he refused, saying, “I already told them ituro niyo lang sa akin saan ako magtindig (point to me where I should stand).”

Duterte has been telling his inaugural team to prepare only a simple inauguration suggesting that serving finger foods for the guests will do. Under the law, the oath-taking of the president should take place 12 noon. The president will have a choice where to deliver his inaugural address after.

He said he plans to fly only to Manila on June 30 before the 12noon oath-taking then fly back to Davao.

“Kung delayed ang flight di walang oath-taking (If the flight is delayed then there is no oath-taking),” he said drawing laughter from the reporters.

After the oath-taking, Duterte said he would go on national television. Duterte, who usually spends time talking on media interviews, rallies and conversations with friend, said it would only take him five minutes to spell-out his governance and let each member of the Cabinet detail the program later. What is important is action, he said.

In holding office, Duterte said he wants to spend more in Davao and for the papers needing his signature could be done here. “Pwede naman siguro yun (Maybe this can be done),” he said in jest.

For attire, Duterte, who dons maong pants to go with his barong, said he is looking for a barong made of cotton because he does not like fabrics that are itchy. Sources close to the mayor revealed a tailor has already designed a barong embroidered with a design unique to Davao.

Presidential moniker

The past days have netizens including the media guessing for the presidential monicker of Duterte. Some say PRRD for President Rodrigo Roa Duterte; PRody for President Rody – the more formal nickname of the mayor; PDigong for President Digong – the casual nickname of the mayor used by Davaoeños; and just Digong (pronounced Dī-góng not dee-góng). Others say Mayor President.

“Just call me Mayor,” said Duterte admitting that he feels awkward being called President. I am just a worker in government I just want that…to impress upon your state of mind and there is no reason to give too much adulation, he added.

“I do not want that kind of rapport with the Filipino people. I also discouraged that kind of culto culto na Duterte it does not also fit into my paradigm in life. Sanay ako sa trabaho ko (I am used to my job). I have been with government (and spent) the best years of my life about two years from graduation from law school.

“I have always been a servant…in fact you are a master,” said Duterte, who was a state prosecutor, once a member of the Tanodbayan, OIC-vice mayor during the time of former President Corazon Aquino before he became the elected mayor of Davao City in 1988.

Security

Many people who knew the mayor said Duterte can be a security nightmare for the Presidential Security Guard (PSG).

“I do not like security tailing me alam ng media ng Davao yan (The Davao media knows that),” he told Manila reporters.

In an earlier interview, incoming PSG Chief Col. Rolando Bautista said they have crafted a presidential security plan but it still needs the approval of Duterte.

Bautista said they are also willing to adjust to the suggestions of Duterte.

Presscon schedule

Reporters covering Duterte in Davao have been adjusting to his work system. The Davao press has been used to late night press conferences or unexpected call for media coverage even waiting for his meetings to finish until after midnight.

A known night owl, Duterte told reporters on Monday night that his working schedule will start with a press conference at 4.a.m.

“That means to say – I am an early riser,” he answered to a reporter’s question about his schedule for press conferences.

According to him, I will attend press conference if need be but ordinarily the tasks belong to the spokesperson of the Palace. (PNA) RMA/LILIAN C. MELLEJOR/LDP