Kind words, praise pour in for Duterte on his 73rd birthday

President Duterte blew the candles on a birthday cake presented to him by members of the PMA Class 2018. It was not clear when the photo was taken but it was shared by SAP Christopher Go on his Facebook page on Tuesday evening

President Rodrigo Duterte’s son apologized for adding to his white hair, his daughter wanted her father to party, his spokesperson hoped for more years ahead and the nation’s second highest official wished him success as the country’s tough-talking leader known for his vulgar rants received kind words and praises on his 73rd birthday on Wednesday.

The President’s first well-wishers were members of the People’s RevGov for Real Democracy Alliance, who serenaded him around 4 a.m. at his private residence in Davao City where he lives with his partner, Honeylet Avanceña, and their daughter, Kitty.

The group has been pushing the President to establish a revolutionary government to speed up political and economic reforms.

A birthday greeting came a day earlier from China’s President Xi Jinping, who praised the Philippine leader for improving Manila-Beijing ties and bringing “tangible benefits to our two peoples and promoted peace and stability in the region.”

Paolo’s FB post

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the President’s eldest son, Paolo Duterte, who resigned as Davao City vice mayor after he was linked to a P6.4-billion “shabu” (crystal meth) shipment last year, said he always listened to all his father’s rants at him. “I accepted them and I understood,” he said.

The former vice mayor has denied any involvement in the shabu smuggling.

He said it was not easy for the President to be a father to his “most behaved child.”

“Please forgive me for the times that I added to your white hair,” he said, alluding to problems he may have burdened his father with in the past.

“I know that I would never attain what you have achieved in your lifetime, but I can assure you that I will do my best to make you proud,” he said. “Happy Birthday Pa! I love you!!!”

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio sent her father a short but cheerful greeting with balloons and celebratory icons also on Facebook. “Happy Birthday Digong 1 good health paaarrteeey!” she said.

Robredo’s wish

In spite of their political differences, Vice President Leni Robredo also wished the President good health “and the success of his administration.”

“The success of the President’s administration would benefit nobody else but us Filipinos,” Robredo, chair of the Liberal Party, told reporters in Cebu City.

His supporters heaped praises on the President, who planned a quiet celebration at home in Davao with his family.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque wished his boss more  years “so he may continue to guide our people to unity and prosperity.”

“On this day, we are reminded of how blessed we are as a nation to be headed by someone who is known for his strong political will, decisive leadership and compassion for his fellowmen. I join the people in wishing our President a happy birthday,” Roque said in a statement.

Lawmakers

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo thanked the President “for the years of real friendship.”

“Happy birthday to an exemplary leader, President Rodrigo Duterte. Thank you for your trailblazing leadership and service to the Filipino people,” said the Pampanga representative.

In his birthday greeting, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III advised the President to “keep cool” and stay healthy.

“We need you to guide our nation for your full term,” Pimentel said.

The President received good health wishes from Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto and Senators Grace Poe and Sonny Angara.

Recto wished the Chief Executive a “successful presidency” and Poe wanted the President to have “peace of mind and fulfillment.”

Sen. Gregorio Honasan II said he was praying for his “continuing wisdom, vision and political will.”

‘Smiling gods of destiny’

The President’s chief legal counsel, Salvador Panelo, joined the chorus. He said the gods of destiny seemed to be smiling down at the President.

“For surely you have mastered the art of playing at your foes, vexing your detractors and perplexing your allies as well, as you carry the burdens of the presidency with the erudition of a tactician and the dexterity of a magician,” Panelo said.

Opposition lawmaker, Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin, wished the President a long life  so he could “account for all that he has done and failed to do.”

“May he have a heart in the right place, no more bluster and bravado, to let peace reign inside of him,” Villarin said. “May he accept that all lives matter for that is our reason for being, our humanity.” —With reports from Leila B. Salaverria, Nestor Corrales, Allan Nawal, DJ Yap and Christine O. Avendaño