VICE President Leni Robredo wished President Duterte good health, wisdom and guidance on his 76th birthday yesterday as the country continued its uphill battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Baka makalimutan natin birthday ni Pangulo ngayon. Birthday ni Pangulo, so happy birthday po (We might forget, it’s the President’s birthday today. It’s the President’s birthday, so happy birthday!)” Robredo said on her weekly radio program.
Duterte spent his birthday in Davao City without fanfare as he usually does. He is expected to return to Manila today, Monday, to welcome the arrival of one million doses of Sinovac vaccines purchased by the government.
The Vice President, the leader of the opposition, said she has always been praying for the President’s success because it would also mean the country’s success.
“Parati ko namang sinasabi na lagi siyang damay sa dasal natin, ‘di ba? Na guidance, wisdom, kasi iyong pagdedesisyon para sa bansa ay hindi basta-basta. So sana–sana magabayan ng tamang pagdedesisyon kasi iyong ano naman, Ka Ely, iyong success ng Pangulo ay success para sa buong bansa. (I’ve always said that he’s always included in my prayers, right? (I’m praying) for guidance, wisdom because making decisions for the country is not an easy task. So we hope he’ll be guided to make the right decisions, Ka Ely, because the President’s success is the success of the whole country),” Robredo told anchor Ely Saludar.
The Vice President said he has also been praying for Duterte’s good health because senior citizens are among those considered at high-risk for COVID-19 because of their age.
“Hindi na lang seniors iyong mga tinatamaan na grabe, pati mga bata. Kaya ang wish natin kay Pangulo na good health, wish natin para sa lahat. (It’s not only seniors but also younger ones are getting hit, it’s too much. That’s why our wish for the President is good health. It’s our wish for everyone (too),” Robredo said.
Cabinet officials also greeted Dueterte, with Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar saying he joins fellow Filipinos in wishing the President “a happy and auspicious 76th birthday.” — With Raymond Africa
