INCOMING President Rodrigo Duterte has preferred simple rites when he takes his oath of office as the country's 16th President in Malacañang on June 30.
Presidential special assistant Christopher "Bong" Go, in an interview with Sun.Star Davao Saturday night, said the decision of the President-elect to hold a simple inauguration with only 150 guests is final.
"Limited space lang. Sorry to all the supporters na hindi pwedeng makapunta. The mayor (President-elect) would only like to have a very simple inauguration. Ayaw niya ng magastos," Go said.
He added that Duterte does not want to burden people with the heavy traffic on the day of his inauguration since it is on a Thursday, a regular working day for the majority.
Go said he has been meeting with his staff to finalize the preparation for Duterte's inauguration.
He added that the guests will include retired generals and diplomats.
"Ordinaryong pagkain lang. The mayor wants his inauguration very simple. The food will be served before he takes his oath after that, wala na. Main reason was his campaign promise," Go said.
Duterte will take his oath before the Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Bienvenido Reyes at Rizal Ceremonial Hall in Malacañang before delivering a speech on his plans and policies.
Go said Duterte will be wearing a Barong Tagalog made of cotton.