The Philippines will be represented in the inauguration of US President Barack Obama II on January 21, Malacañang said Sunday.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Philippine ambassador to Washington Jose Cuisia Jr. will lead the country’s representatives.
“Certainly the country will be represented by our ambassador Jose Cuisia Jr. on the inaugural,” she said on government-run dzRB radio.
Preparations are ongoing for the Jan. 21 inauguration of Obama, who won a second term following his electoral victory last year.
A report on Fox News said officials expect less than half of the 1.8 million who attended Obama’s first inauguration for this year’s inauguration.
It added there will be only two official balls, the fewest since Dwight Eisenhower was sworn into the presidency in 1953.
The Fox News report said the Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center is expected to attract more than 35,000 people.
The Commander In Chief's Ball, on the other hand, will have about 4,000 participants and will honor US troops.
Scheduled to sing at the galas and at a Jan. 19 children's concert are Katy Perry, Smokey Robinson, Usher, Alicia Keys and Brad Paisley.
Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson and James Taylor will perform at Obama's signing ceremony on the west front of the Capitol, said Fox News. —KG, GMA News
