Former Senator Bongbong Marcos INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / JILSON SECKLER TIU
Former Senator Bongbong Marcos Jr. on Friday praised President Rodrigo Duterte on his first year in office, calling him a “good leader” for establishing an “important position” for the Philippines in the international community.
“President Rodrigo Duterte has shown one singular quality that is very clear and the reason why he is very popular – the quality of leadership,” Marcos said in a statement.
Marcos, a family friend of the President, said Duterte has shown leadership “both in our local and foreign policies.”
“For example, he has redirected our foreign policy and that is the reason why we have regained once again a crucial and important position in the international community to the benefit of the Philippines. It is the same with various domestic policies,” he said.
“I think the Filipino people recognize that. Only a good leader can do that and he managed to do just that,” Marcos said.
Another ally of the President lauded him for his “awesome leadership.”
Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo commended Duterte for his awesome bold reforms in his first year in office.
READ: Arroyo hails Duterte’s ‘bold reforms,’ ‘awesome leadership’ in first year
“President Rodrigo Duterte has shown awesome leadership and resolve in the many programs that he promised to do during his presidency,” Arroyo said.
The former president acknowledged Duterte’s efforts to institute “bold reforms” to fight illegal drugs and corruption, as well as his “Build, Build, Build” program as it is a step to achieving inclusive growth.
“But more than his accomplishments in his work as president, President Duterte has achieved to inspire and unite the Filipino people towards his goal of effecting real change for the country. I wish him success and the best of health for the rest of his term as he fulfills his mandate for the nation and for the people. JPV