President Rodrigo Duterte (Screengrab from PCOO / Facebook)
MANILA, Philippines — Greetings poured in for President Rodrigo Duterte who celebrated his 77th birth anniversary on Monday—with his allies wishing the outgoing president good health and peace.
Speaker Lord Allan Velasco said it is an honor to be considered an ally and friend of the President. Velasco wished Duterte “a long healthy life.”
“Mr. President, it has been my absolute pleasure to know you for many years now, and it is indeed an honor to be considered your ally and friend. I have been fortunate to be one of the beneficiaries of your wisdom,” Velasco said in a statement.
“On behalf of the House of Representatives and the Filipino people, thank you for all you have done for our country. May your legacy of meaningful change and comprehensive development live on in the hearts and minds of the next generations to come,” he added.
House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez, meanwhile, said that Duterte’s contribution will be “remembered in generations to come.” Duterte is set to end his six-year presidential term in June.
“As we join him in celebration, we also wish to express the appreciation of a grateful nation for all the personal sacrifices that the President has made to serve his fellow countrymen. Rest assured, Mr. President, that your services to the country will be remembered in generations to come,” Romualdez said.
“We also pray to the Lord Almighty that He grants President Duterte more years of good health, peace and joy both in his public and private life. May God continue to guide him as he seeks ways to improve the living condition of our people and provide a safe community for every Filipino family,” he added.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) also greeted Duterte , saying the president’s values of “tapping at malasakit” served as the agency’s driving force to deliver its mandate.
“To our dear President, on this special day of yours, we pray for your good health, everlasting wisdom and caring, and true happiness. We could not thank you enough for the legacy you are about to impart our nation and our people,” the DOTr said.
“Makakaasa po kayo na ang Department of Transportation, sa pangunguna ni Secretary Art Tugade, ay mananatiling nasa likod n’yo na nakasuporta, at kasama ninyong maglingkod sa ating mga kababayan, hanggang sa huli,” it added.
According to Acting Presidential Spokesperson Martin Andanar, Duterte will hold a simple and quiet celebration in Davao City.
“His birthday wish for this year is to have a clean, fair, and honest election in May 2022, as he has time and again underscored the importance of a peaceful transfer of power as part of his enduring legacy,” said Andanar.