MindaNews photo by TOTO LOZANO
At least a hundred persons, including foreign dignitaries, have signed up for an appointment with the mayor, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go told MindaNews at the Clubhouse late Saturday afternoon.
He said the reception of guests will be spread across three days.
Carpenters were busy putting finishing touches in at least three function rooms where Duterte will receive his guests, the biggest, located on the second floor, reserved for the press conference at 2 p.m. on Monday.
Matina Enclave Clubhouse Manager Ramon Deleña points to the modest office of incoming President Rody Duterte to receive well-wishers. Photo from the FB post of Duterte’s spokesperson, Peter Lavina
Two other rooms on the ground floor were being prepared: one with a 10-seat conference table, the other a more formal setting where he is expected to receive dignitaries like the Ambassador of Japan, Kazuhide Ishikawa.
The Presidential Management Staff (PMS) regional office has been assisting the Duterte transition team, including the protocols to follow, Go said.
On the second floor venue for the press conference, for instance, MindaNews saw workers dismantling a modular conference table they had just set up as the PMS said it should be a sofa instead.[]
Duterte was last seen by the public on election day, May 9. He held a press conference on the same day and also went to his spiritual adviser and top campaign supporter Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, who claims to be “The Appointed Son of God.”
Duterte visited his parents’ grave at 3:30 a.m. on May 10 and wept as he sought their guidance. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)