President Rodrigo Duterte. AP
Update
MANILA, Philippines – Kind words poured in for tough-talking President Rodrigo Duterte as he celebrated his 74th birthday on Thursday.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea praised Duterte for his “dedication” in serving the nation.
“My wish for you is that during your term, you will see the fulfillment of your vision and dreams for our country and the Filipino, especially our young ones,” Medialdea said.
He thanked the President “for being the leader that you are, one who is devoted to serving the Filipino people.”
“Your perseverance and dedication for our nation continue to inspire us all. We pray that you will continue to guide us with your wisdom, courage and strength for many years to come,” he said.
“I wish that each and every Filipino will see how hard you work for them and that they will understand how much you really love our country and our people,” he added.
He assured the President that his Cabinet officials would always be behind him.
“Iba ka, saludo ako sa iyo, Sir! Happy Birthday and many more! Dito din kami, sa likod lang ninyo,” he said.
Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Duterte’s presidency was a destiny designed 74 years ago.
“Destiny designed your name: Rodrigo Roa Duterte, seventy-four years ago on this day, to lead that we may follow, and to follow that we may live, your noble cause within our lives. Happy Birthday, President Duterte!” Andanar said.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año wished good health as he hailed the President’s dedication to solving the problems of the country.
“I wish that the Almighty Lord grant our President with more wisdom and good health as he leads our country with his sterling leadership,” Año said.
“His passion and dedication to solve all problems besetting our country is truly an inspiration for all of us to give our best. Naway mas madaming kaarawan pa ang darating sa kanyang buhay,” he added.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra wished that Filipinos would see the good in what the President was doing for the country.
“I wish that the people will understand better that everything he does as father of the nation, while not to the liking of some people, is motivated only by love of country and genuine concern for the welfare of future generations of Filipinos,” Guevarra said.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana wished Duterte a “long life and good life.”
“May God bless you and your family always,” Lorenzana said.
Trade Secretary Mon Lopez described Duterte as “true servant leader that inspires us all to sacrifice and serve.”
“Country above self! Our prayers for our sincerest and hardworking President Mayor PRRD, risking his life and Presidency just to perform his duties.”
May you have good health always and all the happiness in this life,” he said.
He added that the Philippines “is truly fortunate to have you as our leader.”
Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said their best gift to Duterte is their sincere service to government.
“Wala kaming materyal na regalong maibigay (at alam din namin na tatangihan mo kung meron man) kundi ang aming matapat na paninilbihan. Dalangin namin na biyayaan kayo ng malakas na pangagatawan para sa bayan,” Piñol.
Secretary Adelino Sitoy of the Presidential Adviser on Legislative Affairs also wished the President “the best of everything to tackle the awesome task of leading the nation.”
Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the unwavering support of Filipinos for Duterte was the “best gift” the President received.
“Happy birthday, Mayor! The continuing support of the Filipino nation to your leadership is the best gift that a leader could ask for. Congrats and Godspeed!” Roque said.
His trusted aide, former special assistant to the president Christopher “Bong” Go had nothing but gratitude to the President.
“To the man responsible for introducing me to this higher calling called public service, Happy Birthday po! Thank you, sir, for teaching me that the way to succeed is to put others first before one’s self,” Go said.
“My wish for you is to live longer so that you can enjoy and appreciate the positive changes you’ve done for our country. May you be filled with more of life’s blessings in return for all the sacrifices you’ve made for the betterment of the lives of every Filipino,” he added.
He thanked the President for the trust given to him.
“Maraming salamat rin po sa tiwala at sa pagkakataong ibinigay ninyo para makapagserbisyo kami ng lubos sa kapwa namin. Ipinapangako ko na hanggang sa huling hininga ng aking buhay ay hindi ko kayo iiwan,” he said.
“Kasama ng kapwa kong Pilipino, kami ay bumabati ng maligayang kaarawan! Mahal po namin kayo, Tatay Digong!” he added.
Former Cabinet Secretary Leoncio “Jun” Evasco also greeted Duterte, whom he said is “a good friend through thick and thin, a mentor that has shared to me lessons so valuable in my own journey in life and my President.”
“I pray for your good health that can meet the demands of your job; I pray for your moral courage that will strengthen your resolve to cleanse our country of drugs and drug lords and to free our people from the burdens of a corrupt bureaucracy,” he added./cbb
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