In celebration of his predecessor's 78th birthday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (left) assured former president Rodrigo Duterte's (right) that he will continue his good work as a chief executive.
Duterte, who was a Davao City mayor and congressman before becoming the 16th president of the Philippines, was born on March 28, 1945. He served as president from 2016 to 2022.
Photos from Lakas-CMD, Malacañang
In his birthday message, PBBM tells ex-President Duterte: ‘I’ll make sure to continue your good work’
Mar 28, 2023 10:51 AM
At a glance
For President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., his only wish for former president Rodrigo Duterte, who turned 78 on Tuesday, March 28, was to “relax” and “take it easy.”
In his birthday message, Marcos assured his predecessor that he will continue his “good work” during his six-year presidency.
He also asked Duterte not to worry about what he has started during his term.
“We will continue to make sure that those projects that you started will be successful and I am glad that I am able to continue the good work that you started,” Marcos said.
“And so... I don’t know kung makapag-relax ka (I don’t know if you can relax) because after a lifetime of work, I don’t know if you still know how to take it easy but if you got the chance, please have a good celebration,” the President added.
Duterte was the country’s 16th president, serving from 2016 to 2022. Social media posts showed him being serenaded by his neighbors in hometown of Davao City.
“What a pleasure it is for me to wish happy birthday to ating (our) predecessor, PRRD. Happy birthday to you, Mr. President,” Marcos greeted.
He also mused that he now understands why the former president usually curses, which was something that had both endeared Duterte to his supporters and angered his critics.
“Ngayon, naiintindihan ko na kung bakit kung minsan ay noong president ka, napapamura ka. Now I know why (Now, I understand why sometimes, when you were president, you just had to curse. Now I know why),” the President said.