Abella, Andanar bare more details on Duterte inauguration preps

MANILA, Philippines – Incoming Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar and incoming presidential spokesperson Ernesto “Ernie” Abella on Wednesday updated the media on the developments on the preparation for President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s inauguration.

Andanar said there would be nine national broadcasting companies which would be allowed to cover Duterte’s inauguration in Malacañang, differing from his previous pronouncement that media are barred from covering inside the Rizal Hall. He has not yet named the media firms which would be provided with proper space grounds at the palace.

“We shall announce the broadcasting companies that will be allowed to broadcast within the grounds of Malacañang,” Andanar said in a televised press briefing.

The media coverage protocol changed following the adjustment on the number of guests which rose to 627 from the earlier announced 500. Andanar and Abella said the guest listing is not yet finalized.

“We have eight more days and as days go by, there are changes that are happening. It could still change. Puwedeng mabawasan, I'm not sure kung madagdagan pa, siguro mababawasan na lang or could stay at 627,” Andanar said. He also mentioned that the Presidential Security Group would take care of other protocols but there are no figures yet as to how many uniformed men would be assigned to secure the palace.

The incoming Communications chief also said there is no planned oath taking in Davao City but his fellow Davaoenos may watch his inaugurations in screens that would be set up in some areas.

“Magkakaroon ng LED screens ‘di ko lang alam which areas. Sa pagkakaalam ko marami ng nag-donate [ng LED screens] para mapanood po ng kababayan ni Rody Duterte [ang inauguration],” Andanar reported.

For the overseas Filipino workers and Filipinos who have no access to radio and television, Abella announced that they met with Facebook Public Policy for Asia Pacific, who offered a live streaming of the inauguration. Andanar noted that the 51 million Filipino Facebook users may also share the live streaming.

Andanar  said there is no theme yet for the inauguration which would take place from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 30. “We haven’t gotten to the brand exercise yet. Inauguration 2016, maybe? Change is here? Could be,” he joked.

Andanar also refused to discuss the details of Duterte’s speech but he said the president-elect has "full editorial control" of its content. He earlier mentioned that he and Duterte’s speech writer for 14 years helped in writing the speech but he kept mum on the details such as the length and topic.

“I will let you know kung ano 'yung nasa speech. It would be unfair if I talk about the content of the speech right now and we will change it after a couple of days,” he said, adding that there is a possibility Duterte would read his speech via teleprompter but confident he can deliver extemporaneously.

“The speech is being written and being revised and there are about two people who are managing this right now. A couple of weeks back, we requested [the PCOO] to send the teleprompter, I believe the mayor liked the teleprompter,” Andanar said.

“The speech that we are preparing right now should go to the teleprompter unless the president- elect decides to read it or memorize it,” he added.

Other inauguration details revealed

Aside from the inauguration essentials, the two incoming officials also discussed minute details on the preparation.

Andanar said there is no information yet regarding the food to be served but he earlier mentioned that finger food such as “maruya” and “buko juice” might be on the menu. Likewise, he said there would be no Vin d’honneur but instead a “diplomatic reception” with the absence of extravagant food and drinks as he said that Duterte is a simple man.

The incoming Communications chief said Duterte would be in Malacañang by 10:30 a.m. but he would take oath at 12 noon as enshrined in the Constitution. Duterte would be wearing a barong and slacks.  

Abella also mentioned that the inauguration team has two plans for the “salubong” or send off of the outgoing president. He said President Benigno Aquino III would be welcoming Duterte and would let him sign on the guest book before Aquino steps out of the palace with departure honors.

Entertainment would follow the inauguration rites with musical performances by Freddie Aguilar and Jimmy Bondoc.