Not too much ado about the presidential inauguration
Produ (President Rody Duterte) does not like ceremonies. What makes the presumptive president different from all the previous presidents, PNoy, GMA, Erap, FVR and even President Cory and Ferdinand Marcos is that Mayor Duterte does not seem to consider the presidential inauguration, one month from today, as a big deal. It would seem from the looks of things that the incoming president merely looks at the event as an obligatory ceremony that he simply has no choice but to go through. If he could help it, the president-elect would make the affair a very simple one. This president is of different mold.
The plan is to hold the ceremonies in the Malacañang Palace, with only a few dignitaries, diplomats, top government officials, close family members, and relatives, all in all not to exceed one hundred people. Then, the president will address the whole nation for only five minutes. The austere manner by which the president shall be sworn into office would convey the message that the new government will not waste time, nor squander public funds on ceremonies and celebrations. The holding of the inauguration inside the Palace will make security arrangements very easy, and shall tell all and sundry what kind of president we are having from then on.
President-elect Rodrigo Roa Duterte will not wear a coat and tie, nor a jusi barong but an old ordinary long sleeve barong with cheap linen materials. He does not want public funds to be used to clothe him. This is a very strong message that all public officials and personnel should put in mind and keep in their hearts. This president wants to give an example of simplicity and austerity that all civil servants should emulate. The leader is showing his people that what matters most is not the outward appearances but what are the core values and fundamental principles that should guide the direction of this administration.
I remember President GMA took her oath of office in the grounds of the Cebu Capitol Building. I was there as Undersecretary of DOLE. The Governor then was GMA's favorite Gwendolyn Garcia. I could only imagine how many millions were spent in that presidential inauguration, with hundreds of Cabinet members, Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, Bureau Directors, Regional Directors, and many other officials were required to go on official travel, complete with air fare, hotel accommodation, and per diems not to mention the senators, congressmen, governors, mayors, justices, commissioners, generals, and Filipino diplomats. Mayor Digong will have nothing of such wastage of funds.
The five-minute speech (although a figure of speech only) will be indicative of the new administration's less talk and more action. The new president hates subordinates who talk too much, and do not deliver on their commitments. The coming inauguration will tell the Filipinos what kind of chief executive and what system of governance we shall be seeing for ourselves. Presidential inaugurations are symbolism of things to come. If we want to know the future of our country, we should listen to the president's speech and observe closely the verbal and non-verbal messages we shall be getting between now and June 29.
Let us then be observant and alert. And always bear in mind what matters most for the nation.
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