MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has no formal message yet for the 80th birthday of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained The Hague, The Netherlands.
According to Presidential Communications Office’s Undersecretary Claire Castro, all she can offer for the former Chief Executive is to sing a “happy birthday” song for him.
“Kantahan natin ng happy birthday – iyon lang po. Siyempre birthday po iyon, kailangan pong maging maligaya ang taong nagbi-birthday at wini-wish po natin siya ng happy birthday,” Castro said in a media briefing at the Malacanang Palace.
“Wala pang formal message from the President. Ipapaalala ko po sa kaniya na birthday po ni dating Pangulong Duterte sa March 28. Baka po hindi niya po natatandaan,” she added.
Meanwhile, the National Security Council (NSC) said there is no security threat monitored on the anticipated prayer and candlelight rallies to mark Duterte’s 80th birthday today.
“Wala pa naman kaming namo-monitor na significant security threat…kung ano ang puwede mangyari sa March 28,” said NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya. “We are monitoring closely the situation.”
The Philippine National Police, for its part, is in the final phase of preparing security measures to ensure peace and order during the prayer rally for Duterte’s 80th birthday at the Rotary Plaza in New Corella, Davao del Norte.
“‘Yung ibinigay sa atin na information na prayer rally ang mangyayari diyan at we expect na marami din ang a-attend diyan considering na taga-Davao ‘yung ating dating pangulo,” said PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Jean Fajardo.
Duterte is facing crimes against humanity charges before the International Tribunal Court (ICC) due to the deaths linked to his war against illegal drugs during his terms as Davao City mayor and as president./PN
