WHILE the graveyard shift before is reserved for those new in the profession, now it’s becoming apparent that news organizations will have to rethink their deployment, so that the more senior and knowledgeable of the government beat will cover Malacañang once incoming President Rodrigo Duterte takes over.
Duterte's first few days in office will also mean a daily flight to and from Davao City.
Duterte told the press at Hotel Elena last Saturday night (May 28) that he is set to have his office schedule between 1 p.m. and 12 a.m. once he takes office.
He said he will be awake by 10 a.m. and that he will have his bath by 11 a.m. so by 12 p.m., he will be ready, and will go directly to work at 1 p.m.
“Good ako until 12 o’clock [midnight] kung importante,” Duterte said.
Once he is sworn in as the next president of the country, Duterte said that he will start his work by signing papers and receiving visitors, explaining that he intends to read every paper before signing them.
“Unlike others, I do not sign until I know what I am signing about,” Duterte said, adding that he cannot read and sign papers while in office because there will be many visitors.
He also said that he is available within the specific hours and that if the people would wish it, he does not mind extending his working hours even until the morning.
When asked if he will have daily security briefings, Duterte said there will be security briefings with his military aide, as it is important to know what is happening in the country.
He also said that he will come home to Davao every day during his first few days as president.