Amid the sadness and perhaps even the "rage," SAGIP Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta says there's still something worth celebrating on former President Rodrigo Duterte's 80th birthday.

In a video message on Friday, March 28, the senatorial candidate greeted Duterte, stating that he doesn't know if a "happy birthday" is suitable under Duterte's current circumstances. Duterte remains detained in the International Criminal Court headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands to face his crimes against humanity case.

"But amid the sadness perhaps even rage that our people trying to overcome these days, I think there is still something to celebrate with your birthday," Marcoleta said.

"I think we should celebrate the love and sympathy of millions people around the world. I think we should celebrate the initial success of our people's response to the online petition that we have launched recently to question the arbitrariness of the procedures of the ICC as well as the betrayal that facilitated it all," he added.

Marcoleta also stated the need to celebrate Duterte being the "image of sacrifice and courage".

"While we worry about your health, we celebrate the of a leader who gave his all but asked for nothing. We celebrate your gallantry for standing tall against all odds," he said.

He ended the video by calling him "mayor" and recalling the many times, both privately and publicly, that Duterte told him how he admired him.

"Sa totoo lang, Mr. President, mas lalo naman akong bilib sa'yo (To be honest, Mr. President, I admire you even more)," he added.