By Katrina Gracia Consebido
President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is set to take oath as the 17th president of the country at the National Museum building in Manila on June 30.
According to incoming Presidential Management Staff Secretary Zenaida Angping, the museum had been chosen as their venue after their ocular inspection, as it matched the requirements for the inauguration.
“The National Museum of Philippines building and its surrounding areas match our requirements for President-elect Marcos’ inauguration. Preparations are already in full swing to ensure that it will be ready by then,” Angping said.
News reports said that the president-elect had considered Quirino Grandstand, Fort Santiago, and the National Museum for his inauguration. Angping said Quirino Grandstand was not selected due to the presence of COVID-19 hospitals in the area.
“The safety and welfare of our people are paramount. As such, we chose to avoid disrupting the medical care being given to the COVID-19 patients housed there. That’s why we opted for the National Museum as the venue,” Angping added.
The National Museum was formerly known as the Old Legislative Building where former presidents Manuel L. Quezon, Jose P. Laurel, and Manuel Roxas held their inauguration. – ag
