President Duterte lauded tycoon Ramon Ang for his generosity and all the help he has extended to the government especially during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Duterte made the statement after hearing from Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu that Ang's San Miguel Corporation has been cleaning Tullahan River and Pasig River.
In his second pre-recorded public address this week, the President said Ang is one of the people helping the country without any conditions and even spends his own money.
"'Yan lang talaga. Pati bakuna tumutulong, nag-o-offer (He's the only one who does that. Even when it comes to vaccines, he helps out, he offers)," Duterte said late Thursday, August 26.
"Saludo ako diyan (I salute him)," he added.
The President likewise defended Ang from skeptics who criticize him and his acts of philanthropy.
"Maligned pa, kasi negosyante raw, maraming negosyo. Eh, mga loko-loko pala kayo. Ang negosyante, kung 'di ka kikita, 'wag ka na lang magnegosyo, kung malugi ka (He's being maligned because he has many businesses. Are you crazy? If you're a businessman and you won't eart profit, then don't start a business or you'll suffer a loss)," Duterte said.
"Eh, marunong, eh. Marunong magtingin sa panahon. Kung ano ang makakabuti dito, dito tayo magkapera-- negosyo (He's smart. He knows how to look at the situation. He knows what is good, what will make him money-- it's business)," he added.
Meanwhile, Duterte thanked all Filipinos of Chinese descent who have been helping the country.
"Let me just express my gratitude for them for helping the country. Because if you're helping the country, you're helping us. Salamat po (Thank you)," he said.