By Genalyn Kabiling Good health and long life are the two birthday wishes of Malacañang to President Duterte as he leads the country during these perilous times. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte
(ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN The President will mark his 75th birthday on March 28 but faces a “dilemma" if he will celebrate it with his family in Davao City or spend it “dangerously” in Manila, according to President spokesman Salvador Panelo. “The nation’s prayers for your good health and well-being go to you Mr. President on this day of your birth. Long life!" Panelo said in a statement. "We pray that the Almighty continue to give you enough good health and divine guidance as you safely navigate our people through the rampaging waves of this treacherous ocean of a dreadful disease," he added. Panelo said the President will continue to lead government efforts to combat the coronavirus outbreak even on his birthday. Duterte has been staying at his official residence in Manila since he placed Luzon under enhanced community quarantine to contain the spread of the new coronavirus disease. "For a man in whose hands lie the heavy burden of steering the ship of state in these perilous times, he faces the dilemma of celebrating his natal day savoring the simple joy of playing with his grandchildren in Davao or spending it dangerously in Manila among his people to lead them in the war of survival against the coronavirus which has placed them, including himself, on the brink of disaster and death,” he said. "Consistent with his daredevil character and deep filial ties, the President will most likely opt to either being ensconced safely and quietly with his loved ones in his comfort zone or continue with his manning the ramparts against the enemy. Given his dexterity it is unsurprising if he would probably do both with ease," he added. Panelo admitted it was difficult to a hearty birthday greeting to the President due to “these foreboding and grim circumstances”. "Our country is now in the precipice of annihilation as he leads us to face this Armageddon of an unseen lethal invader of a disease that is creeping into our people’s lifeblood, killing them slowly and painfully into their graves," he said. Panelo, however, saw the occasion as an opportunity to show thanks to the Lord for Duterte and his "selfless brand of public service." He noted that a birth of a person is considered as a gift from the Lord. "We take, therefore, this occasion to thank God for giving life to this maverick of a President, and for lending us his time and his indefatigable spirit to serve and protect the people with his unorthodox ways and selfless brand of public service that puts to risk his life, honor and the presidency," he said.