By Lance Arevada

PHOTO: Canadian Inquirer

Presumptive Vice President Sara Duterte announced that she is eyeing to hold her inauguration as Vice President on June 19 in Davao City to attend the oathtaking of Presumptive President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on June 30.

“While waiting for the proclamation, I already pencilled in June 19 as the inauguration date in Davao City. The Dabawenyos’ patience made me the public servant that I am today, it is only fitting to honor them the opportunity to witness the oathtaking,” Duterte said.

However, Article VII, Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution clarifies that the six-year term of the president and vice president "shall begin at noon on the thirtieth day of June next following the day of the election and shall end at noon of the same date six years thereafter."

On June 19, the planned date of Duterte's inauguration, incumbent Vice President Leni Robredo will still hold the office as her term is not yet set to expire until June 30. 

Furthermore, presidents and vice presidents have long been jointly inaugurated in traditionally held ceremonies. The vice president-elect usually takes their oath minutes before the president-elect's oathtaking to secure the line of succession.

This is in the case of Vice President Jejomar Binay to President Benigno Aquino III, Vice President Noli De Castro to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to President Joseph Estrada, among others.

However, Robredo and President Rodrigo Duterte broke tradition in 2016 by holding separate inauguration ceremonies. Robredo took her oath in her office, the Quezon City Reception House, hours before Duterte took his at the Malacañang Palace.


Edited by Phylline Cristel Calubayan