Rody’s b-day wish: Progress, prosperity

DAVAO CITY – Like any birthday boy, President Duterte had a wish for his 74th birthday yesterday. But it was neither good health nor long life for himself.

“My wish is that we will just continue to progress and prosper, hindi tayo masali dyan sa mga gulo-gulo ng ibang bayan (we won’t be involved in the troubles of other nations),” the President told members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) and other wellwishers on the eve of his birthday as they sang a birthday song and asked him to blow the candles on the cake they presented to him.

“My wish is that this government will prosper and huwag sana tayong magsali diyan… it is a very topsy-turvy world. Kaya nga ’yong mga Chinese medyo...,” said Duterte, perhaps referring to the prevailing tension between the United States and China.

Incidentally, the President met with Song Tao, head of Beijing’s Communist Party of China’s International Department the other night, at the Matina Enclaves Residences guesthouse here.

The President had a dinner of Japanese sashimi, sushi

and small fish also at Matina Enclaves.

“I wish you all happiness,” the President instead greeted his well-wishers who gifted him with a cake with the colors of the Philippine flag and a collage of his photos when he was young.

The President reminisced on his younger years with family when he saw the collage.

Duterte also promised his staff that he will treat them to a blowout next week.

As expected, the President spent his birthday at home yesterday as there was no official function or meeting scheduled.

Meanwhile, presidential son and former vice mayor Paolo Duterte wished his father good health so he could continue serving the people.

Paolo likewise pointed out that despite being a busybody as highest official of the land and at times going without sleep, Duterte still has time for family.

“Happy Birthday Pa! Bisag unsa ka kabusy sa imong trabaho, usahay wa na kay tulog, pero makapangita ra gihapon ka og oras para kanamo. Daghang Salamat Pa! Naa ra mi dri kanunay mosuporta kanimo,” Paolo added.

The young Duterte also asked the President to take the time to rest as he and his sister, presidential daughter and Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, will take care of his detractors.

Duterte made himself unavailable to most people but said he would welcome his children and grandchildren.

The President took time off and slept on his birthday, as he prepared for the start of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which he is slated to lead at today’s inauguration of the new region.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo expressed hope that the Chief Executive will be given longer life and better health by the Almighty.

“As Mayor Duterte celebrates his 74th birthday, we pray the Almighty to continue giving him a sound mind and a healthy body, that he may finish the goals he had set for the betterment of the country and people that he loved so well towards a future of progress and prosperity,” Panelo said Wednesday night.

“Destiny designed your name: Rodrigo Roa Duterte, 74 years ago on this day, to lead that we may follow, and to follow that we may live, your noble cause within our lives. Happy Birthday, President Duterte!” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar said in a text message.

Panelo also paid tribute to Duterte, who he regards as the country’s number one man of the masses.

“The presidency has not changed his simple lifestyle, no frills but certainly plenty of thrills,” he said.

According to Panelo, the Philippines is “certainly blessed and privileged to have someone as dedicated as President Duterte as the captain of our ship, steering our flag carrier safely to a land he vowed to be free from drugs and crimes, where each Filipino will enjoy a comfortable life.”

Prayers

As Duterte celebrated his 74th birthday, two officials of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) yesterday said that they offer prayers for his good health.

CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI) chairman Bataan Bishop Ruperto Santos yesterday said their commis- sion includes the President in their prayers not only on his birthday but every day.

“We are always praying for him that he may govern us according to God’s will and His ways,” said Bishop Santos.

He added that they pray, “God will give him strength, sound health in mind and body to direct our country to a stable, secure and safe future.”

The CBCP-ECMI head also hopes that as President Duterte celebrates another year, he would be reminded about the value of life and that he would be more dedicated to protecting the lives of Filipinos.

“As he celebrates his birthday, may he always see that life is God’s gift and (it is) a grace that we are all alive. May he promote life, protect life of every Filipino,” the Bataan prelate added.

Even CBCP-PAC executive secretary Fr. Jerome Secillano said that he includes the President in his prayers.

“I’m praying for his health, wisdom and resolve that he may withstand the rigors of leading our country. I pray too that he may be imbued with a genuine love for all Filipinos,” Secillano added. – With Christina Mendez, Evelyn Macairan, Jose Rodel Clapano, Jess Diaz, Emmanuel Tupas, Cecille Suerte Felipe