Duterte agrees to wear barong at inauguration

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – He had complained that it was itchy, and that it is worn at funerals.

But president-elect Rodrigo Duterte has now agreed to wear a barong Tagalog whenever the occasion calls for formal wear, such as on his inauguration as the 16th president of the country on June 30. 

“Of course, I would be in barong in the inauguration. It is historical,” said Duterte, who has made the plaid polo shirt his signature fashion look.

However, it still could not be ascertained who will design Duterte’s
barong.

Duterte said he might just buy his barong off-the-rack, since he is not really into the national costume. 

Duterte has vowed to keep his inauguration simple, with only a few people invited to the ceremony in Malacañang.

Duterte earlier said he would not want his inauguration at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park as has always been the tradition.

Duterte also said he would wear a barong during weekly Cabinet meetings, which will be held in the afternoon or evening, as he said he will start his official workday at about 1 p.m.

But he will not require his Cabinet members to wear barong.