MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – From 9am to 12 Noon on June 30, 2016, the Philippines had two sitting vice presidents – Jejomar Binay and Leni Robredo.

Incoming VP Robredo took her oath of office at 9am that day – three hours ahead of when her 6-year-term was supposed to commence, according to the constitution.

Article 7, Section 4 of the consitution states:

“The President and the Vice-President shall be elected by direct vote of the people for a term of six years which shall begin at noon on the thirtieth day of June next following the day of the election and shall end at noon of the same date, six years thereafter.”

In other words, when Robredo became VP, Binay’s term had not yet ended, so the Philippines had two VPs for a full three hours.

Here’s why this mattered:

Article 7, Section 8 of the constitution says:

“In case of death, permanent disability, removal from office, or resignation of the President, the Vice-President shall become the President to serve the unexpired term.”

There was a legal reason why Rodrigo Duterte waited until exactly 12 noon to take his oath of office as president.  The term of NoyNoy Aquino didn’t end till that time.

So, what if something happened to President Aquino between 9am and 12 Noon that day?  Who would have assumed the presidency for three hours?

Binay, or Robredo?

Did Robredo violate the Philippine constitution?

We’re just asking.

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – During the height of the 2016 presidential campaign period, former President NoyNoy Aquino made a bold statement that there is no way another Marcos will end up in Malacañang.

Well, guess what: on the very day Aquino left Malacañang, not one, but two Marcoses returned to the presidential palace — Senator Bongbong Marcos (who ran unsuccessfully for the position of VP) and Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos.

It was, of course, to attend the inauguration of President Rodrigo Duterte. It was, nevertheless, two Marcoses ending up in Malacañang.

Never say never.

QUEZON CITY, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Rodrigo Roa Duterte was ready to take this oath of office as the 16th president of the Philippines on Thursday, June 30.  Instead, some background music was played and the crowd at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang Palace waited and waited some more.

It wasn’t quite noon, and according to the constitution of the Philippines, the newly-elected president must take his oath of office at the exact apppointed time.

Duterte was early for his oath-taking.

In contrast, former presidential sister Kris Aquino was late for the oath-taking of Leni Robredo, held hours earlier at the Quezon City Reception House which is to be the office of the new Vice President.

Aquino was seen standing in the back as opposed to being at her usual front-row VIP seat.

The talk show host blamed outgoing Transportation Secretary Joseph Abaya for the traffic mess she encountered en route to the VP inauguration.

“I could have been there on time if only I was allowed the use of my brother’s presidential chopper,” Aquino also said.

Many will recall that during the campaign preceding the May 9 elections, Aquino was criticized for using the presidential chopper to campaign for the administration’s presidential bet Mar Roxas.

Well, all things must come to an end, as it did for all the privileges of a presidential sister.