MALACAÑANG said on Sunday the successful conduct of the 2022 National and Local Elections (NLE) remains the top priority of President Duterte even during his birthday.
In a brief statement, Acting Presidential spokesperson Martin M. Andanar said the President is concerned about the transition process for his successor after the May 9 polls.
“His birthday wish for this year is to have a clean, fair, and honest election in May 2022, as he has time and again underscored the importance of a peaceful transfer of power as part of his enduring legacy,” Andanar said.
Duterte will spend his 77th birthday on Monday in Davao.
“President Duterte will mark the occasion with a simple and quiet celebration in Davao City, in line with his family’s tradition,” Andanar said.
The concurrent Presidential Communications Secretary said they are wishing Duterte good physical and mental health so he could continue serving the country even after the end of his term.
“We express our sincere gratitude to the Chief Executive, whose strong and decisive leadership and genuine compassion for every Filipino have inspired officials in government and have resulted in positive and meaningful change to the lives of a great number of our people,” Andanar said.
At inauguration rites at the Southern Philippines Medical Center last week, Duterte said he already felt “fulfilled” as he is about to reach the age of 77 after seeing all of his children from his first wife securing positions in government.
Duterte was referring to Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, who is running for vice president, Davao 1st District representative Paolo Z. Duterte and Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte.
Meanwhile, his daughter Veronica Duterte —with common-law wife Honeylet—is also assured of a good future since her mother is a nurse.
“I am fulfilled in everything. I could not ask for more. If I do, God will say I am greedy,” Duterte said.
Duterte earlier said he will retire from politics after the end of his presidency.