MANILA, Philippines — On Thursday, the National Museum of the Philippines announced that the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila was chosen by the camp of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as the venue for his inauguration as the country’s 17th President on June 30.
“The National Museum of the Philippines is deeply honored by the official announcement of the choice of its National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila as the venue for the inauguration of the 17th President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., on June 30, 2022.”
National Museum of the Philippines
Presidential Management Staff (PMS) secretary-designate Zenaida Angping noted that after being inspected by Marcos’ inaugural committee, the National Museum was found to be the “suitable” venue for Marcos’ oath-taking.
“The National Museum of (the) 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.”
Presidential Management Staff (PMS) secretary-designate Zenaida Angping
Former presidents Manuel L. Quezon (1935), Jose P. Laurel (1943), and Manuel Roxas (1946) also held their inaugurations at the National Museum, previously known as the Old Legislative Building.
Meanwhile, Marcos’ father and namesake, the late president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., held his inauguration as the country’s 10th president in 1965 at the Quirino Grandstand. It was also one of three historical areas earlier considered by the Marcos camp as possible inaugural venues, along with Fort Santiago. However, Angping explained that the Quirino Grandstand was not chosen after the ocular inspection team had noticed that it was surrounded by several field hospitals accommodating individuals infected with the COVID-19.
The National Museum also announced its temporary closure to allow special preparations and arrangements to be presided over by the Inauguration Committee. The National Museum of Fine Arts at the Old Legislative Building, Padre Burgos Drive, Manila, will be closed from June 6 until Monday, July 4. It will reopen on Tuesday, July 5, at 9 a.m.
“Everyone can be assured that we at the #NationalMuseumPH will do our utmost to support this forthcoming momentous event of the presidential inauguration.” The National Museum added.