Bongbong Marcos to Take Oath as Philippines’ 17th President

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. will take his oath as the 17th president of the Philippines today, June 30, at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila.

Marcos’ inauguration is scheduled to take place at around noon with actress Toni Gonzaga singing the National Anthem.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has issued a special weather forecast for today, predicting cloudy skies and a modest increase in temperature later in the day.

Around 30,000 people are expected to attend the inauguration of President-elect Marcos Jr., according to the Philippine National Police (PNP). More than 15,000 law enforcement officers, military personnel, and members of the Coast Guard are stationed at the inauguration site.

Authorities are reminding the public to observe proper health protocols and that bringing non-transparent bags inside is not permitted.

Clad in red shirts, Uniteam supporters flocked to the Liwasang Bonifacio this morning while others lined up along Muralla Street in Intramuros as they entered the inauguration site.

According to Franz Imperial, a member of the preparation committee for this major event, Marcos’ inauguration is kept “simple and solemn.” They organized a traditional ceremony led by a 30-minute military-civil parade, followed by the inauguration song “Pilipinas Kong Mahal” to be performed by Cris Villonco and the Young Voices of the Philippines choir.

The oath-taking will be administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo. President-elect Marcos Jr., then, will deliver his formal inaugural speech using a teleprompter “to ensure sequencing and coherence,” according to a statement by Press Secretary-designate Trixie Cruz-Angeles on June 29.