Controversial remarks, programs, landmark laws, numerous infrastructures, a war, and a pandemic. Six years after pledging to provide everyone with a comfortable life, Rodrigo Duterte is set to take his final bow as the country's President on June 30, 2022.
The Constitution prescribes a six-year term for a President, and Duterte's administration will end on Thursday. He will turn over the seat of power to Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., who is no stranger to Malacañang after his father's controversial reign from 1965 to 1986.
The turnover ceremony might be different this year due to Covid-19 restrictions, but, per tradition, Duterte will meet his successor in the Palace in the morning as his term should end at precisely noon. Both of them will descend the Palace stairs, and witness the departure honors for the outgoing leader.
Duterte will also take his final solo stroll at the Kalayaan grounds as the country's President. After this, the new Palace occupant will see him off.
This also happened when the late President Benigno Aquino III welcomed Duterte to the Palace for the first time on June 30, 2016.
It is still unknown if the outgoing leader will immediately return to his hometown of Davao City after the ceremony. However, there are reports that the NCCC Group of Companies will host a homecoming concert for Duterte at the NCCC Mall VP Parking A at 5:30 p.m. on June 30.
The concert will be a tribute to Duterte for his service to the country, and a homecoming celebration for his return to Davao City after serving as the 16th Philippine President.
Duterte is reported to be attending the homecoming concert, but Malacañang is yet to confirm this.
Meanwhile, after meeting his predecessor in the morning, Marcos Jr. will proceed to the National Museum for his inauguration, finishing by noon. He said that his oath-taking would be a solemn event.
The incoming President decided to hold his inauguration at the National Museum instead of the traditional Quirino Grandstand because there were still Covid-19 facilities in the area. The traditional Vin d’honneur will be held immediately after the inauguration, also at the National Museum.
The new President will then be accorded arrival honors at the Kalayaan grounds in Malacañang. The First Family will have to enter the Ceremonial Hall together.
The mass oath-taking of incoming Cabinet secretaries will follow.