President opts for quiet birthday today with family
If President Duterte will stick to tradition, he will probably sleep off the whole day today as he did in the past during his birthday or have
a simple and private affair as he turns 72 years old.
“Traditionally, the President marks his birthday quietly without fanfare. He spends some quality time with family and close friends,” according to his spokesman Ernesto Abella.
“While certain offices may hold parallel celebration, the President usually veers away from public attention on his private and personal affairs,” he said.
So far, the President, who has been staying in Davao City since the weekend, has no scheduled public appointments today.
The President earlier said his birthday wish was for more energy and time to serve the nation and address the country’s problems.
Duterte, who has waged a controversial war on illegal drugs, crime and corruption, said he has reached the “apex” of his career and no longer wants any birthday gift.
“If you have something for me, some are very expensive, you know I do not need it anymore. At saka maski bigyan ninyo ako ng mga diyamante for every finger, I cannot wear it. Otherwise, I’d be stupid,” he said in a recent media interview.
The President’s communication officials, meantime, wished him happiness on his birthday.
“With all the responsibilities PRRD has right now, I wish him more time for himself and the small things in life that make him happy,” Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said.
Abella, for his part, said: “I wish that his dreams for a great Filipino nation (will) all come true.”