Lawmakers led by House Majority Leader and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez greeted Davao City Mayor “Inday” Sara Duterte-Carpio, who celebrated her 43rd birthday on Monday.
“I join the Filipino nation in praying that our Lord God will continue to bless you Mayor Inday Sara with long life and excellent health,” Romualdez, chairman of the House Committee on Rules, said.
Romualdez flew to Davao City Monday morning to personally greet President Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter.
Romualdez, president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), also lauded Mayor Inday Sara’s strong leadership, especially during the pandemic to ensure a safe and better environment for her constituents.
“I have been immensely gratified and inspired by your unwavering pursuit of goodness in the entire country. Your very determined leadership to serve the people has profoundly influenced us to further extend malasakit to our constituents,” Romualdez said even as he thanked the presidential daughter for the friendship and opportunity to work closely with her, especially in promoting good governance.
He wished her continued success in the fulfillment of her aspirations for the Filipino people.
“Under your stewardship and guidance, you have shown that you are a steady source of inspiration for the Filipinos,” Romualdez said.
"I assure you that we are behind you in all your advocacies and thrusts for good governance.”
Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, wife of Romualdez and chairperson of the House Committee on the Welfare of Children, also greeted the Davao mayor a happy birthday.
“May you be blessed more as you have blessed others! Happy birthday to a remarkable public official!” Rep. Yedda said.
Meanwhile, former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Senator Imee Marcos also went to Davao City to meet with Duterte-Carpio during her birthday celebration last weekend.
Lawyer Vic Rodriguez, spokesman of the former senator, confirmed this to GMA News Online via text message.
"Yes, Senators Imee and Bongbong Marcos were in Davao to personally greet Mayor Inday Sara on the occasion of her birthday," said Rodriguez.
However, Rodriguez said there were no discussions on politics during the private birthday event.
Similarly, Speaker Lord Allan Velasco took to social media to extend his birthday greetings to Duterte-Carpio, whom he likened to an eagle that symbolizes courage and compassion.
Velasco, in his social media page, attached to his post a tribute music video featuring “Tinig,” a mashup of different songs composed by Filipino citizens for the Davao City’s chief executive.
Velasco posted his greetings for Mayor Duterte as soon as the clock struck 12:01 am Monday, marking her 43rd birth anniversary.
Velasco’s post bore the hashtags #SaraAll and #SaraAgila. The accompanying video gathered Mayor Duterte’s fans, who composed songs for her and posted in their respective YouTube channels.
They then collaborated and organized together with other Duterte supporters, volunteering their time, skills, and own resources to produce the video.
None of the singers and musicians featured in the video were paid for their services, sources close to the production said.