Duterte’s birthday wish: Progressive, prosperous, mess-free Philippines

BY Dhel Nazario, Jeffrey G. Damicog, and Rey G. Panaligan

Mar 28, 2019 05:52 PM

By Argyll Cyrus Geducos

President Duterte wish for his birthday is not personal, but rather for the Philippines to become more progressive and prosperous and not be involved in any mess.

Duterte revealed the wish during a surprise party thrown by his staff at the Matina Enclaves in Davao City Wednesday evening.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (KING RODRIGUEZ / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

As he entered the room, Duterte was greeted by his staff singing happy birthday. Waiting for him was a Philippine flag-themed birthday cake.

“My wish, well that this government will prosper and huwag sana tayo masali sa – it's a very topsy- world kaya pati 'yong mga Chinese eh medyo… My wish is that we will just continue to progress and prosper as a nation. Hindi tayo sasali diyan sa mga gulu-gulo sa ibang bayan (My wish is for our government to prosper and for us not to be involved in... It's a topsy-turvy world that's why even the Chinese are... My wish is that we will just continue to progress and prosper as a nation and not be involved in the mess of other nations),” he said when asked about his wish.

Duterte then reiterated that he does not plan to have a lavish celebration and would prefer to sleep. He, however, thanked those who prepared the party, assuring them that he will treat them soon.

“I wish you all happiness. Hindi naman ako nag-blow out talaga but maybe next week i-blow out ko kayo (I am not throwing a party but maybe next week I will treat you all out),” he said.

“I will go in my house. I’ll be sleeping all day,” he added.

Duterte has been known to spending his birthdays in the simplest manner possible. Duterte was born on March 28, 1945 in Maasin, Southern Leyte to former Davao Governor Vicente Duterte and Soledad Roa, a teacher.

We’ll take care of your critics’

Presidential son Paolo Duterte, the former Davao City vice mayor, advised his father to take the back seat and let them take care of those who criticize the President and his policies.

The former Davao City vice mayor assured his father that they, the presidential children, are always there for him. He, however, hope that his father can find time to rest as he also wished for him to remain healthy.

“Naa ra mi dri kanunay mosuporta kanimo. Pahulay sad usahay, pasagdi ng mga tawo nga pabright-bright diha, si Inday Sara Zimmerman Duterte nay bahala nila! hehehe Ug kanang mga irong buang Pa, ako nay bahala nila (We are just here for you. Find time to rest. Let me and Inday Sara take care of your critics)!”Paolo said.

“Hinaot nga kanunay ka nga anaa sa maayong panglawas aron sab nga makapadayon ka sa pagserbisyo sa katawhan (I hope that you will always be in good condition so you can continue serving the country),” he added.

In his birthday message for his dad, Paolo thanked the President for always having the time for them despite his busy schedule.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio had fewer words in greeting her father for his special day.

The presidential daughter took to Instagram her message for the President. She posted a photo of Duterte playing with his grandchild inside their house in Davao City.

“A lecture on responsible gadget use by Lolo Digong. #HappyBirthdayPRD! I wish you good health and happiness,” Sara stated.

Officials’ well-wishes

Current and former high-ranking Malacañang officials under the present administration and lawmakers also extended their well-wishes for President Duterte.

“My wish for you is that during your term, you will see the fulfillment of your vision and dreams for our country and the Filipino, especially our young ones,” Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said.

“You are one of a kind, I salute you Sir! Happy birthday and many more! We have your back),” he added.

“Destiny designed your name: Rodrigo Roa Duterte, seventy-four years ago on this day, to lead that we may follow, and to follow that we may live, your noble cause within our lives. Happy Birthday, President Duterte!” Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said.

“Happy Birthday, Mayor! The continuing support of the Filipino nation to your leadership is the best gift that a leader could ask for. Congrats and Godspeed!” former Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

Earlier, Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo wished for the Almighty to “continue giving him (Duterte) a sound mind and a healthy body” and that he may finish the goals he had set for the betterment of the country and people.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph G. Recto said he wished the President success in providing jobs and opportunities for all Filipinos and a healthy long life.

Re-electionist Senator Juan Edgardo M. Angara said he wished him “good health and more time with his family.”
Sen. Panfilo Lacson said he wished the Chief Executive better health because the country could not afford destabalization on account of the President’s demise. He expressed confidence that the President would continue “doing the good things and do away with the bad things.”

Sen. Grace Poe wished that Duterte would be able to rest on his birthday.

“Gusto kong matupad 'yong mga pangarap niya at gusto niya, tulad ng makatulog siya nang mabuti ngayong araw na ito. I think everybody deserves a break. So I wish him his much-deserved rest,” Poe said.

Sen. Joel Villanueva, meanwhile, referred to a Bible verse in 3 John 2 to convey his prayers for the President. “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”

“I wish that he will be able to realize our aspirations of achieving a drug-free Philippines,” Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said.

“I wish him good health so he can still serve our country. I hope he can eradicate the decades-old communist insurgency problem in our country,” Surigao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Johnny Pimentel said. (With reports from Mario B. Casayuran, Vanne P. Terrazola, and Ellson A. Quismorio)