Leaders of the House of Representatives led by Majority Leader Martin Romualdez expressed best wishes and hope for the good health and well-being of President Rodrigo Duterte, who turned 77 on Monday.
Meanwhile, Presidential frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said the continuing high trust ratings of President Duterte proved “he is a true leader and public servant of the Filipino people.”
On the sideline of SMNI’s presidential interview, Marcos stressed that Filipinos would always be grateful for what Duterte had 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,” he said when asked for a birthday message for Duterte.
“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.
In his statement, Romualdez said: “I join the Filipino nation in extending our warmest greetings to President Duterte on the occasion of his 77th birthday today.
“As we join him in celebration, we also wish to express the appreciation of a grateful nation for all the personal sacrifices that the President has made to serve his fellow countrymen.”
“Rest assured, Mr. President, that your services to the country will be remembered in generations to come,” Romualdez of Leyte’s first district and president of Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats said in his statement.”
He added: “We also pray to the Lord Almighty that He grant President Duterte more years of good health, peace and joy both in his public and private life.”
“May God continue to guide him as he seeks ways to improve the living condition of our people and provide a safe community for every Filipino family.”
Romualdez, Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, and Rep. Rida Robes of San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan said President Duterte was truly an inspiration to the Filipino people.
“Happy birthday, Mr. President! Thank you for giving us hope and for laying the groundwork of a better tomorrow for the Filipinos,” said Romualdez.
Velasco, for his part, said: “On behalf of the House of Representatives and the Filipino people, thank you for all you have done for our country. May your legacy of meaningful change and comprehensive development live on in the hearts and minds of the next generations to come.”
“I hope you enjoy your special day, surrounded by the warmth of your family and loved ones. May God bless you, keep you, and strengthen you always,” Velasco said.
Robes, chairperson of the House committee on people’s participation, said: “We wish our beloved President Rodrigo Roa Duterte a happy birthday and a long healthy life.”
“Mr. President, it has been my absolute pleasure to know you for many years now, and it is indeed an honor to be considered your ally and
friend. I have been fortunate to be one of the beneficiaries of your wisdom,” Velasco added.
Marcos said sustaining the people’s trust was a hard thing to do but Duterte had managed to maintain it. He added he learned a lot from Duterte.
Last March 24, Presidential Communications Secretary and Acting Presidential Spokesperson Martin Andanar confirmed that Duterte
recently met with Marcos where they had a cordial and productive meeting.
Duterte shared his experiences and insights as well as the current government’s major achievements and gave him pieces of advice, he said.
Duterte’s political party, PDP-Laban, earlier endorsed the candidacy of Marcos and his running mate Sara Duterte.
Malacañang said Duterte’s wish for this year was “to have a clean, fair, and honest election in May 2022, as he has time and again
underscored the importance of a peaceful transfer of power as part of his enduring legacy.”