Modesty to mark Leni’s inauguration
The ceremony will be simple and modest—just like the honoree—but no less grand.
On the morning of June 30, Vice President-elect Leni Robredo will take her oath of office at the Quezon City Reception House, the former infamous “Boracay Mansion” in the aborted Estrada administration, which is located in an upscale New Manila neighborhood.
On its confiscation from ousted President Joseph Estrada, the Quezon City government turned the huge property into a venue for receiving official visitors.
After inspecting some possible office sites, Robredo settled on this one—after she found the Coconut Palace outgoing Vice President Jejomar Binay had used too expensive and ostentatious.
Marginalized reps
Thursday’s program will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 10 a.m., according to Boyet Dy, head of Robredo’s transition team, in a press briefing in Quezon City on Thursday.
Dy said that because of the limited space, only 300 guests will be invited but they will be representative of all sectors of Philippine society, particularly the laylayan (marginalized).
He said the ceremony will be “simple and modest,” and details like the menu and the gown Robredo will wear were still being discussed.
After the inauguration, he said, Robredo will proceed to the Quezon Memorial Circle where her supporters will be gathered to celebrate her assumption to office.
The inauguration will open with a flag-raising ceremony and the Payatas Children’s Choir singing the national anthem.
Robredo will be sworn in by the chairmen of two barangays from Camarines Sur and Quezon City—Rolando Coner of Punta Tarawal which is located in the farthest, smallest and poorest town of Camarines Sur’s third district, and Regina Celeste San Miguel of Barangay Mariana where the incoming vice president’s office is located.
“On June 30, even though the oath-taking of the Vice President will be simple, this will be a good opportunity for all to unite and celebrate the victory of our democracy and the beginning of a new and colorful chapter of our history,” Dy said in Filipino.
