Truly BFF? Duterte greeting to Cayetano ends talk of rift — analyst

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte’s birthday greeting to former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano could indicate that there is no rift between them after the speakership row in the House of Representatives, a political analyst said Thursday.

Political analyst Ranjit Rye said that the greeting proves that the President and Cayetano’s friendship is strong.

“The birthday greeting is not just a greeting, it’s reaching out for both sides. I think it’s really inevitable not to reach out because they are really good friends. Cayetano has been with President Duterte since the start,” Rye said in a statement.

On Wednesday, Duterte told Cayetano not to “feel bad” about recent events as he greeted the latter on his 50th birthday.

The President lauded the Taguig lawmaker for his achievements in a video message.

“Alan Peter Cayetano, today is a very special day and I’d like to share the glorious moment of another milestone in your life. You have achieved so much and you need not really feel bad about everything that transpired during the last few days,” Duterte said.

“You did your best, and next time, given the chance, I am sure that you will succeed and do better. Today, I just want to say, Mabuhay ka! Happy birthday!” he added.

Rye said the greeting is a showcase of support of Duterte for Cayetano.

“Other people may not see it, but the President clearly knows and recognizes the important contribution of Speaker Cayetano. When you look back at the past 2 years, you will see that Cayetano has been [at] the forefront of it all, from the successful SEA games and the legislation of two important bills to address the pandemic, the Bayanihan 1 and 2,” he said. [ac]