What language should Duterte use in his inaugural speech?

MANILA, Philippines – English, Bisaya, Tagalog, Bisaya-Tagalog, Bisaya-English, Tagalog-English or mix of all 3? 

What language should President-elect Rodrigo Duterte use on June 30, when he speaks to the Filipino nation as its president for the first time? 

In a live interview with Rappler’s investigative arm Newsbreak, historian Manolo Quezon III, undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Office (PCDSPO), said that with Duterte we should “expect the unexpected.” 

In a press conference, Duterte promised that he would only deliver a 5-minute inauguration speech and that he would follow protocol and be well-prepared. 

Duterte on his inauguration speech: I’ll just follow protocol. Maybe I need to read it, it has to be well-prepared pic.twitter.com/BhUrKT3lTI

— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) May 25, 2016

“Like any President, he has basically total freedom anyway to say what he wants. How he will say it is bound by the manner he will pick,” Quezon said. 

So we asked our readers on whether they want Duterte to speak in English, Tagalog, Bisaya, any two, or a mix of all 3 in his inauguration.

Here’s what they have to say: (If you haven’t participated yet, go ahead!)

What language do you want president-elect Rodrigo Duterte to use in his inaugural speech on June 30?

— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) May 30, 2016

The inaugural address “sets the tone for the next 6 years. How he does it will be keenly watched,” said Quezon. 

Do you think this is an important discussion? Tell us why or why not in the comments below or writing a blog on X.

Earlier in May, we also asked netizens to help come up with the next presidential nickname. – Rappler.com