After years of restricted access, Malacañang will soon open its gates to the public with the youth getting the priority.
In a solidarity dinner with urban poor families in Tondo, Manila hours after his inauguration Thursday, President Duterte announced plans to allow the masses to visit and even stay overnight in the Palace.
“May bagong patakaran po ako: ‘Yung Malacañang po ay pwede na kayong pumasok. Unahin lang po natin ‘yung mga bata, mga kindergarten hanggang grade high school, para makita naman nila kung ano ‘yung Palasyo,” Duterte said, drawing cheers from the crowd.
“Unahin po natin ‘yung mga bata at pagkatapos kayo, kung panahon na ninyo, naubos na ‘yung mga estudyante, at panahon na ninyo pumunta, magdala na lang ho kayo ng kumot at unan at pwede na kayong matulog doon,” he added.
Duterte said in jest that he could invite all Manila residents to visit the Palace but they would have sleep standing. “Doon tayo matulog. Kaya lang mag-tindig lang kayo na tutulog. At marami ho talaga,” he added.
(Genalyn D. Kabiling)