Bongbong Marcos returns to Malacañang, pays courtesy call on Duterte before inauguration

MANILA, Philippines — After 36 years, President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. returned to Malacañang Palace Thursday morning prior to his oath-taking at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila at noontime and paid a courtesy call on outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte’s daughter was Marcos Jr.’s running mate in the recent elections, Vice President-elect Sara Duterte – Carpio.

After a brief meeting, Marcos Jr. and Duterte proceeded to Malacañang’s Kalayaan Grounds for the latter’s departure honors.

According to National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Duterte will fly back to Davao City, and will not attend Marcos Jr.’s oath taking.

Marcos Jr. left the Palace at around 10:55 a.m. for his inauguration as the Philippines’ 17th president.

The incoming president is set to take his oath before Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo.

The 64-year-old Marcos Jr. scored a landslide victory in the May 9 elections with over 31 million votes.

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