Only government media will be allowed inside Malacañang to cover the inauguration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte on June 30, according to incoming Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar.
The inauguration will be held at the Rizal Hall where only 500 persons could be accommodated, Andanar said.
Andanar, however, assured that media outfits could rely on the live video and audio that will be provided by Radio TV Malacañang and government-owned PTV channel 4 during the ceremony. Journalists could monitor the live event at the New Executive Building that houses the press working area, he added.
“’Yung plano, as of now, sa Rizal Hall ay RTVM ang lead tapos magkakaroon tayo ng… under negotiation ang area kung saan pwede mag-standupper ang mga broadcaster… tapos lahat naman ng media na binigyan ng accreditation can monitor it sa New Executive,” Andanar said.
Andanar, a former TV 5 news anchor, explained that the latest media arrangement should not be misconstrued as limiting the access of journalists in covering the next administration.
“Talagang masikip lang talaga sa loob. Masikip sa loob ng Rizal Hall. Hindi siya ganoon kalaki ang espasyo. Limang daan lang kasi ang pwede na bisita so ang atin namang mga kasamahan sa RTVM ay sanay na naman sila sa broadcast pool. I don’t think you will not have a difficult time,” he said. (GENALYN D. KABILING)
