Gloria Arroyo vows 'unwavering support' for birthday boy Duterte

(2ND UPDATE) 'Thanks for the years of real friendship,' former president now Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo tells President Rodrigo Duterte in her birthday message

FRIENDS. President Rodrigo Duterte and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo share a light moment during a courtesy visit in Malacañang on November 28, 2016. Photo by King Rodriguez/Presidential Photo

(2nd UPDATE) – Former president now Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Wednesday, March 28, pledged her “unwavering support” for President Rodrigo Duterte, who celebrated his 73rd birthday that day,

“Happy birthday to an exemplary leader, President Rodrigo Duterte. Thank you for your trailblazing leadership and service to the Filipino people,” Arroyo said in her birthday message to Duterte sent to media.

The lawmaker also thanked Duterte “for the years of real friendship.”

During the 2016 election campaign, when Arroyo was on hospital arrest for "multiple cervical spondylosis" or the wearing off of the bones, Duterte had personally assured her that he would grant her pardon if convicted of plunder in relation to the alleged misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office funds.

Arroyo refused, as she would have to admit that she was guilty of plunder. Barely a month into the Duterte administration, the Supreme Court acquitted her after 4 years in detention.

“I wish you fortitude and the best of health so you can continue instituting your programs for real change for our country. You have my unwavering support,” Arroyo said in her message.

'Good health'

Wishes for good health dominated the birthday messages for the 73-year-old Duterte.

In the Senate, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, PDP Laban president, greeted his party mate as well and said: “Keep cool and keep healthy. We need you to guide our nation for your full term.”

Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto said his wish for Duterte is good health, more wisdom, and a successful presidency.”

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said he sent the President a birthday greeting wishing him good health, the same birthday for Duterte conveyed by Senators Grace Poe and Juan Edgardo Angara.