In her birthday message for her father former President Rodrigo Duterte who turned 80 years old on Friday, Vice President Sara Duterte said that she learned resilience and courage in the latter’s exigence.
“Warmest birthday wishes to former President Rodrigo Duterte. I learned resilience and courage in your exigence. Thank you for teaching me the value of education. I wish you love, good health, and happiness. Happy 80th birthday Papa!” the vice president said in a short video message.
The vice president also sent a message to the supporters of her father through a video.
“Sa kanyang pagdiriwang ng kanyang 80th birthday, huwag nating kalimutan na ipagdasal sa Diyos na sana ay biyayaan pa siya ng mas magandang kalusugan at mas mahabang buhay. Hilingin din natin sa Diyos na sana ay makauwi na agad si Pangulong Duterte sa Pilipinas,” the vice president said.
The vice president’s older brother, Davao City First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, shared on Friday an old photo of him with the former president with a caption: “Happy Birthday Pa!!! SALIG LANG TA SA GINOO MUABOT RA POD NA ILANG PANAHON.”
Duterte allies Senators Christopher “Bong” Go and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa also expressed their wishes on Duterte’s birthday.
Go said his continued support and concern for his mentor and the former chief executive, urging Filipinos to reflect on the values of public service, sacrifice, and love for the country that Duterte embodied throughout his career.
“Sa araw na ito, nais ko lang iparating ang taos-pusong dasal at suporta kay Tatay Digong. Isa siyang lider na buong buhay ay inalay sa kapakanan ng Pilipino. Hanggang ngayon, ramdam pa rin natin ang kanyang malasakit,” said Go.
Dela Rosa assured that the former president would overcome all of these trials.
“Walang permanent sa mundong ibabaw. Everything is temporary. So magpakatatag lang tayo, laban lang, at huwag mag-surrender…Huwag siyang sumuko sa laban. Laban lang, because majority of the Filipino people, even those who are outside of the Philippines, other parts of the universe ay nandoon at nakikiramay sa kanya at gustong-gustong maibalik siya dito sa Pilipinas,” he said.
Meanwhile, a large crowd of supporters waited until past midnight on Friday and held a mañanita at the former president’s house at Doña Luisa Subdivision in Matina, Davao City. They sang a “Happy Birthday” song in unison. Some brought gifts and food. One supporter even brought a whole lechon.
Duterte supporters across the globe also gathered to greet the former leader.
In Manhattan, New York, hundreds of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut-based Filipinos convened at the famous New York Times Square and held a prayer and celebration for Duterte.
In The Hague, Netherlands, Filipinos congregated in front of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) detention facility where Duterte is detained and held a picnic-style celebration.
The former president, who is currently facing charges of crimes against humanity before the ICC, was born on March 28, 1945, in Maasin, Leyte.
