Duterte: Let compassion, kindness, reconciliation guide Filipinos

President Rodrigo Duterte. (Photo from an RTVM video)

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday called on Filipinos to embrace each other with compassion, kindness and reconciliation this holiday season.

Unlike in his usual speeches, this time the President spoke in a calm and steady tone as he greeted Filipinos here and abroad in his Christmas message.

“Once again, it is the time of the year where we honor, gather our families and friends to celebrate the nativity of Jesus, share life’s many blessings and demonstrate our love and gratitude for each other,” he said in his message, which was aired over state-run PTV.

“As we take part in this joyous occasion,” the President urged Filipinos to “contemplate on the worth of the lessons that we can learn from the narrative of Christ’s birth.”

“Let the ideas of compassion, kindness, and reconciliation guide us as we embrace our countrymen in the spirit of shared humanity,” he said.

“Together let us bring hope and peace in our nation this Yuletide season as we welcome the coming year with much hope and optimism,” he added. “I wish everyone a happy and meaningful Christmas.” /atm