Barong for funerals, not inaugural – Duterte

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Don’t expect incoming president Rodrigo Duterte to wear a barong Tagalog for his inauguration on June 30.

Duterte says he finds wearing the native shirt “corny” and would rather sport something more comfortable.

“I don’t like barong. I don’t like Amerikana (suit). Maybe I’ll wear a kimono,” Duterte said in jest during a press conference here on Saturday night. “You know why? Almost all of my friends who died wore barong (at their funeral).”

Duterte, who wore a white shirt and black pants when he faced the media, is also not inclined to hire a personal stylist.

“I don’t want to adjust my life just because I’m president. It’s so corny. You take me for what I am,” he said.

Earlier, Duterte’s transition team said he preferred his assumption rites to be simple.

Peter Laviña, spokesman for Duterte’s transition team, said they may do away with the lavish balls and dinners that are usually part of a president’s inauguration.

He said the inauguration would be held in Malacañang and would be witnessed by a limited number of guests.