FINISHING TOUCHES | The inaugural stage awaits President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the National Museum in Manila. The man chosen by 31 million Filipinos to be the country’s next leader is sworn into office at noon today, completing his family’s return to Malacañang 36 years after their fall from power. (Photo by RICHARD A. REYES / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — On the day of his inauguration, President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has an unexpected guest traversing the country’s western corridor: Tropical Depression Caloy, which will enhance the southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” and dump moderate to heavy rains in Metro Manila.
Scattered rain showers are forecast in the capital region, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), possibly at the site of Marcos’ oath-taking ceremony and in areas where protests are permitted in the City of Manila.
Before Caloy was classified as a tropical depression, Pagasa earlier said the southwest monsoon would affect the inaugural, advising both Marcos supporters and protesters to bring umbrellas.
On Thursday morning, Caloy’s center is forecast to be 620 kilometers west of Dagupan City, Pangasinan.
Caloy was “almost stationary’’ when monitored on Wednesday, thus the slow movement going outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, Pagasa weather specialist Raymond Ordinario said.
Moderate to heavy rains are also expected in Romblon, Marinduque, Rizal, Tarlac, Pampanga, Aurora and Quezon provinces, and in Ilocos, Bicol, Western Visayas regions.
—DEMPSEY REYES
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