President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has taken the chance to give a shoutout to former president Rodrigo Duterte as the latter was recognized for his contributions to the Philippines-China relations.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and former president Rodrigo Duterte (Photo courtesy of Malacañang)
Speaking at the Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding (APPCU) awarding ceremony on Thursday, June 8, Marcos hailed his predecessor's leadership which, he said, was key to the strengthening of the two nations' relationship.
"Perhaps the highlight of this Awards night is the high recognition bestowed to the former President of our Republic—our Tatay Digong Duterte," Marcos said.
"And I join the entire nation in recognizing the former president for his strong leadership and for all that he has done in building a more resilient nation," he added.
Duterte was recognized as among the APPCU Hall of Fame awardees.
The former president was not able to attend the awarding ceremony, and was represented by former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea.
During Marcos' speech, he also recognized former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for "rejuvenating the Association for Philippines-China Understanding (APCU).
"The role of the former president, president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in rejuvenating the APCU organization, which led in many ways to the launching of these Awards, must certainly be recognized," he said.
"In doing so, she recognized the great importance of maintaining mutual understanding between our two countries," he added.
Arroyo has been a constant part of Marcos' delegation in his foreign trips. He even called her as his "secret weapon," who gives him advice in some of his meetings in Thailand and China.
APPCU, a joint undertaking spearheaded by the APCU and the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, is a novel award-giving body that pays special tribute to Filipinos who have made efforts in strengthening friendly ties and promoting mutual understanding between the Philippines and China, using their respective advocacy and expertise in the various fields and disciplines such mass media and public service; trade and commerce; and, arts, culture, and the sciences.
READ MORE: PH to depend on bilateral ties with China 'more than ever'—Marcos