President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (MALACAÑANG FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday greeted his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte a “happy birthday,” saying he now understands the woes of being the chief executive of the country.
“What a pleasure for me to wish a happy birthday to ating predecessor, PRRD. Happy birthday to you, Mr. President. Ngayon naiintindihan ko na kung bakit kung minsan ay noong presidente ka napapamura ka. Now I know why,” Marcos said in a video message.
Marcos assured Duterte that he would continue the work that the latter had started, further urging him to “have a good celebration” on his birthday.
“We will continue to work on it. We will continue to make sure that those projects that you started will be successful, and I am glad that I am able to continue the good work that you started,” he said.
“I don’t know kung makapag-relax ka because, after a lifetime of work, I don’t know if you still know how to take it easy, but if you get the chance, please have a good celebration. Happy, Happy birthday, PRRD!” the President said.
(I don’t know if you can still relax and take it easy, but if you get the chance, please have a good celebration.)
Duterte celebrates his 78th birthday on Tuesday.
The day before his birthday, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has rejected the Philippine government’s request to suspend its investigation into the killings committed under his administration’s bloody drug war, for which he could face a case of crimes against humanity.
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