Senators’ wishes for Duterte: Good health, peace of mind, wisdom

by Xave Gregorio

Senators did not miss out on the chance to greet President Rodrigo Duterte on his 73rd birthday on Wednesday (March 28).

Senate President Koko Pimentel, Senate Majority Leader Tito Sotto, and Senators Ralph Recto, Grace Poe and Sonny Angara all wished the President, who suffers several illnesses, good health.

Duterte previously revealed that he is suffering from at least four ailments, namely a slipped disc, Barrett’s esophagus, Buerger’s disease and acute bronchitis.

He was photographed on his birthday last year with an oxygen concentrator, which he said helped with oxygenation.

“Pinaka-stressful na trabaho ‘yung sa kanya so sana pagkalooban siya ng magandang kalusugan para magampananan niya ang kanyang tungkuling at mabigyang daan ang pag-asa ng ating mga kababayan,” said Angara in a text message.

Recto also wished Duterte “more wisdom and a successful presidency,” while Poe wished him “peace of mind and fulfillment.”

The oldest person to be ever elected as Philippine president also enjoys unprecedented popularity, with higher popularity and trustworthiness ratings than his predecessors.

He has been leading the charge against illegal drugs in a fierce war, which has left several thousands suspected drug personalities dead and has received criticism from local and international rights groups.

Duterte has also been keeping a careful watch on government officials, easily sacking them for any whiff of corruption. However, critics point out that the President has been selective, citing the case of former Customs commissioner Nicanor Faeldon, who, after being implicated in a smuggling scandal, was promoted to the Office of Civil Defense.

Aside from this, the President also sanctioned an ambitious infrastructure program dubbed “Build, Build, Build.”

Other domestic issues which Duterte faces are the continued rebellion of Communist forces and the possible creation of a new autonomous Bangsamoro region, seen as the answer to decades of Moro rebellion in Mindanao.

He and his party PDP-Laban are also pushing for the shift to a federal form of government which would increase autonomy of local regions – an effort which his allies in the lower house are spearheading.

Senator Gringo Honasan said he is praying for Duterte’s “continuing wisdom vision courage and political will.”

“He alone with God’s help, may have the capacity to make difficult decisions, that will benefit the greatest number of Filipinos, for the greater good, for the longest time, in our blessed Country for the sake of our Children,” Honasan said.

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.

‘Happy Birthday President Duterte’

PRESIDENT Duterte may have celebrated his birthday without fanfare but members of his official family and members of Congress did not forget as they extended their greetings to the Chief Executive who turned 73 on Wednesday.

All wished the President many more “healthy years” and expressed their gratitude for his leadership and compassion.

Palace Spokesman Harry Roque wished Duterte to have “more healthy years ahead.”

He said the nation was fortunate to have Duterte, given his “strong political will” and “decisive leadership” to move the country to progress and prosperity.


“Today, the father of the nation is celebrating one of the most important occasions in his life. Our country’s leader, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, is turning a year older,” Roque said in a statement.

“On this day, we are reminded of how blessed we are as a nation to be headed by someone who is known for his strong political will, decisive leadership and compassion for his fellowmen. I join the people in wishing our President a happy birthday!” he added.

In a separate statement, Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo lauded Duterte for his resolve in “complying with the directives and commands of the Constitution to serve and protect the Filipino people.”

“As you add another page to your book of life, the gods of destiny appear to be smiling at how you have hurdled the formidable gauntlet they have thrown at you, for surely you  have mastered the art of playing at  your foes, vexing your detractors and perflexing  your allies as well,  as you carry the burdens of the presidency with the erudition of a tactician and the dexterity of a magician.”

“In recognition and appreciation of your dedication to the nation, and in fear of your mortality, the overwhelming majority of the Filipinos who placed you in the exalted office you now holds, have stormed the heavens with their prayers that the angels be sent to you to spread their wings to shield you from any harm, injury or sickness and to wish you on your birthday a continuing good health that you may continue to fulfill your mandate under the guidance of the Almighty’s wisdom and love. Many happy returns of the day. Cheers President Rody!” he added.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar described Duterte as a “man for the people.”

“We pause for this one day, to render to the President, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the honor and the gratitude deserving of a leader, whose vision is revealed as each day unfolds. He acts both from the realm of power, and from the homes of the powerless,” said Andanar.

He added that Duterte’s stories and manner of speaking “belong authentically to the language of the people.”

Like his fellow Palace officials, Andanar wished the septuagenarian president a long life.

“We pray that our President be blessed with more years, strong health, and the wisdom of fine age,” Andanar said.

Duterte’s Special Assistant Christopher “Bong” Go wished his “boss, adviser and mentor” a “long and healthy life so that he may continue serving the nation.”

Greetings from the Senate

Senators from the majority bloc echoed Duterte’s official family.

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel 3rd said, “Happy birthday Mr. President.”

“Keep cool and keep healthy. We need you to guide our nation for your full term,” Pimentel told the President in a text message, which he also sent to reporters.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto wished the Chief Executive “good health, more wisdom, and a successful presidency.”

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto 3rd said that he sent the President a message “for his continued good health.”

“I wish him good health, peace of mind and fulfillment,” said Sen. Grace Poe.

Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said, “We wish the President and his family continued good health to withstand all the rigors of being president.”

Sen. Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan 2nd said, “As President Rodrigo Duterte turns 73 today, we pray for continuing wisdom, vision, courage, and political will.”

“With God’s help, may he have the capacity to make difficult decisions, that will benefit the greatest number of Filipinos, for the greater good of our blessed country for the sake of our children,” Honasan said.

‘Unwavering support’

Former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo expressed her “unwavering support” for the President as she wished greeted him a happy birthday.

“Happy birthday to an exemplary leader, President Rodrigo Duterte,” Arroyo said.

She then thanked him for his “trailblazing leadership and service to the Filipino people” and “for the years of real friendship.”

“I wish you fortitude and the best of health so you can continue instituting your programs for real change for our country,” Arroyo said.

“You have my unwavering support. God bless you and your family,” she added.

Greetings from an ally

Chinese President Xi Jinping extended his best wishes to Duterte as he cited the deepening bilateral relations between the Philippines and China.

Xi, in a congratulatory letter released by the Chinese embassy in Manila on Tuesday, praised the “turnaround” on the China-Philippines relations over the past year.

“Our bilateral relations have enjoyed ongoing betterment and improvement and reaped productive outcomes, which brought tangible benefits to our two peoples and promoted peace and stability of the region,” the Chinese leader said in his letter.

Xi also recounted his meeting with Duterte on several occasions that resulted in important consensus on advancing China-Philippine relations and a deepening practical cooperation towards the future growth of their bilateral relations.

Philippine and China relations have achieved a positive turnaround since the visit of the President to China in 2016.

“I attach great significance to the growth of China-Philippines relations, and stand ready to work with you to carry forward sustained and in-depth growth of China-Philippines relations and bring about more benefits to our countries and peoples,” Xi said.

The President has not been known to throw big parties on his birthday even when he was mayor of Davao City for more than 23 years and one term each as vice mayor and first district representative.

He usually makes himself scarce and as much as possible avoids people even those who only want to greet him.

The President was born on March 28, 1945, in Maasin, Southern Leyte, to Vicente Duterte, who was governor of the undivided Davao in the late 1950s, and Soledad Roa, a teacher. CATHERINE S. VALENTE, JEFFERSON ANTIPORDA, BERNADETTE TAMAYO

Solons hail Duterte on birthday

House of Representatives members on Wednesday showered President Rodrigo Duterte with greetings and praises on his 73rd birthday, with some congressmen calling him the country’s “sole hope” as well as a “brave and fearless leader.”

“May the Lord give him longer life and wisdom to be able to steer this country toward real growth and progress. Siya lang ang pag-asa ng Pilipinas (He is the sole hope of the Philippines),” Surigao del Norte 2nd district Robert Ace Barbers said.

“It makes me proud to be a Mindanaoan! Happy birthday Mr. President,” added Barbers, who chairs the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs.

Duterte, a former longtime Davao City mayor, won the Palace seat in landslide fashion during the May 2016 presidential polls. At age 71, he was the oldest ever to be elected as Philippine president.

Another Mindanaoan in Sulu 2nd district Rep. Munir Arbison wished for more strength and better health for the Chief Executive on his special day.

“I wish that he could be gven by Allah strength and good health so that he could resolve the problem of insurgency in Mindanao as will as the kidnapping and drug problem in Sulu which has brought down the image and economy of our country,” Arbison said.

This was echoed by her another solon from the south, Surigao del Sur 2nd district Rep. Johnny Pimentel.

“I wish him good health so that he could finish all the programs and projects that he started,” said Pimentel, chairman of the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability.

A key program that would entail the entire six-year term Duterte is the “Build, Build, Build” program. Began in 2017, Build, Build, Build is an expansive infrastructure modernization program that will have a total price tag of around P9 trillion.

By the time Duterte has stepped down in 2022, the Philippines will have ushered in a “golden age of infrastructure” thanks to the program, according to its proponents.

“Happy 73rd Birthday Mr. President. Thank you for your brave and fearless leadership. I hope that you have a day of joy and rest on your birthday,” Deputy Minority Leader, AKO-Bicol Party-List Rep. Alfredo Garbin said in a rather practical wish for the septuagenarian Duterte.

Garbin’s fellow AKO-Bicol nominee, Rep. Rodel Batocabe, wished success for the Chief Executive in his signature campaign against illegal drugs.

“May you continue to blessed with good health, infinite wisdom and indefatigable spirit to deal with the multifarious concerns and problems of our nation. I also hope that will succeed in the war against drugs and poverty and preside over a country which is relatively peaceful, prosperous and stable,” Batocabe said.

Meanwhile, Quezon City 2nd district Rep. Winston Castelo also expressed hope that the Philippines would return to its previous glorious standing in the world community under the leadership of the birthday boy, Duterte.

“[I wish him] long life and good health to lead the country to economic progress and regain our pride as a Filipino in the global stage,” he said.

Robredo wishes a 'successful administration' for Duterte

'Iyong success ng administrasyon ng ating Pangulo, wala naman doong ibang makikinabang tayong mga Pilipino. Kaya iyon ang pinaka-birthday wish ko sa kanya,' says Vice President Leni Robredo on the

Vice President Leni Robredo continued to wish President Rodrigo Duterte success in leading the country as the Chief Executive turned 73 on Wednesday, March 28.

Asked for her birthday wish for Duterte, Robredo said she wants the President to achieve his goals for the country since this would benefit all Filipinos.

“Siyempre, parati nating birthday wish iyong good health, iyong success sa administrasyon. Kasi iyong success naman ng administrasyon ng ating Pangulo, wala naman doong ibang makikinabang [kundi] tayong mga Pilipino. Kaya iyon ang pinaka-birthday wish ko sa kanya,” she said.

(Of course, we always wish for him good health and the success of his administration. The success of the President's administration will benefit no one else but Filipinos. That's why this is always my birthday wish for him.)

Robredo had the same wish for the President last year, when she said that there's any birthday gift she could give to Duterte, it would be prayers for good health and the success of his administration.

Duterte and Robredo barely see each other since the Vice President was compelled to resign as housing czar in December 2016, after the President barred her from attending Cabinet meetings. (READ: LIST: Where Duterte and Robredo part ways)

Malacañang said there were "irreconcilable differences" between the top two officials of the land. But Duterte later admitted that Robredo's opposition to the hero’s burial for the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos was the final straw.

Duterte and Robredo now only meet in events where both leaders are invited, among them, the graduation rites of the country's military and police academies, Philippine Independence Day at the Luneta, and major events of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

They are always seen acting cordially towards one another, despite their political differences. Recently, they sat each beside each other at the 2018 graduation rites of the Philippine Military Academy and the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA).

At the PNPA commencement exercises, the President even opened his speech by telling Robredo, “I love to see my Vice President.”

Message of Speaker Pantaleon D. Alvarez to President Rodrigo Duterte on his 73rd birthday

On behalf of the House of Representatives and my family, I would like to extend our sincerest greetings to President Rodrigo Duterte on his 73rd birthday.

For the past two years, our country has benefited from the President's competent leadership. No doubt, his long experience in public office, as prosecutor, congressman and Davao City Mayor, has adequately prepared him to assume the highest elective position and to lead the country towards political stability and sustained economic growth.

We join the rest of the nation in wishing the President good health and long life in the years ahead.