DAVAO CITY—President-elect Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President-elect Leni Robredo will have separate inaugurations on June 30 after Duterte’s camp opted for a separate ceremony for him.
“We were informed by the team of President-elect Rody Duterte about their preference to hold the inauguration separately,” Boyet Dy, head of Robredo’s transition team, said in a statement to The Standard.
“While we have been preparing for a joint inauguration, we respect their decision and will begin our own preparations for a simple and modest ceremony.”
Incoming Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar said Duterte will take his oath in Malacañang’s Rizal Hall, and that the number of guest will not exceed 500.
“Do not expect ostentatious foods and drinks. Maruya and ordinary juice will be served,” Andanar said.
Duterte has said he will not appoint Robredo as a member of his Cabinet because of his relationship with Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and because she is a member of the Liberal Party.
Marcos, in a press conference, had insinuated that Duterte knew about the alleged cheating by the ruling Liberal Party during the vice presidential race of 2016.
Robredo has since expressed her support for Duterte, but she remains adversarial over many issues including Duterte’s plan to revive the death penalty.
Robredo is considering holding office at the Quezon City Executive House, where she can continue her programs for poor and women.
The property used to be linked to former president and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada during his impeachment trial in 2001, and was then dubbed as the Boracay Mansion.
