Lolo Rody meets newest grandson Stonefish
After a hectic day in Cebu City, President Duterte was finally able to meet his newest grandson in Davao City late Thursday night, a boy whose nickname caught the attention of everyone.
The President's newest grandson Marko Digong, or "Stonefish," was born via Cesarean section to Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio and lawyer Manases Carpio at 12:56 p.m. Thursday at the Davao Doctors Hospital.
However, grandpa Rody was only able to meet the youngest Duterte almost 12 hours later as the President first delivered two speeches in Cebu City.
In an ambush interview Thursday, President Duterte could not contain his excitement and was all smiles when asked about Stonefish.
"I’m exceedingly excited. I want to go home now. Galing dito, uwi na ‘ko (From here I will go straight home)," Duterte said after his speech in Cebu City.
"Diretso na ako sa hospital (I will go straight to the hospital)," he added.
Duterte also expressed delight that Sarah gave birth to a son. However, Grandpa Rody was still able to jest about his grandson's nickname.
"Ewan ko ba riyan kay Inday. Kawawa naman ang bata (I don't know why Inday gave that name. I feel for the child)," he jested.
Duterte later on explained that there is a practice in Davao City where the grandparents of a baby would “compete” or “bid” to get the right to name the baby after their ancestors.
"Kaya kung mabili nila, nagiging kanilang ancestors. Kung ako ang manalo, ‘yung mga pangalan ng ancestors, akong mamili (If they were able to buy it, they can name it after their ancestors. Same thing if I win)," he said.
Stonefish weighs 2.42 kilograms or 5.33 pounds. He is the lone triplet who survived after Mayor Sara lost two of her triplets days after the Davao City Night Market bombing.
Stonefish has an older seven-yearold sister named Sharky, and an older brother nicknamed Stingray.
According to Davao City Information Officer Jef Tupas, the Presidential daughter's love for the sea was the reason behind the names of her children.
Malacañang on Thursday said the birth of Stonefish strengthened the President's resolve for a safer Philippines.