Marcos Jr.’s birthday message: Duterte a ‘true leader, servant’

President Rodrigo Duterte and presidential hopeful Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. File photos

MANILA, Philippines — In celebration of President Rodrigo Duterte’s 77th birthday, presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. described the chief executive a “true leader” and a “true servant.”

According to Marcos Jr., Filipinos will always be grateful for what Duterte has done for the country.

“We wish him a very happy birthday and we will always be grateful for all that he has done for our country and I think that is reflected on how Filipinos now react to him,” Marcos Jr. said when asked for a birthday message for Duterte on the sideline of SMNI’s presidential interview.

“He has been a true leader and he has been a true servant of the people that is why people trust him and still believe in him,” he added.

Acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar earlier revealed that Duterte and Marcos Jr. met ahead of the presidential elections. Senator Bong Go said that during the meeting, Duterte shared his experiences and gave advice on presidency to Marcos Jr.

The PDP-Laban wing led by President Rodrigo Duterte had earlier endorsed Marcos Jr.’s presidential bid. However, Andanar said the move was a “collegial decision” of the party but it does not mean that it is the personal decision of the President.

To recall, Duterte once called Marcos Jr. a “weak leader.”

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