VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte thanked Filipinos worldwide for celebrating former President Rodrigo Duterte’s 80th birthday, saying it shows that the love for the people is being reciprocated in return.
Speaking at the birthday picnic celebration in The Hague, Netherlands, on March 28, 2025, she stated:
“Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat, at maraming salamat sa mga kababayan natin sa iba’t ibang lugar sa Pilipinas na nagse-celebrate ng 80th birthday ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte (Many thanks to everyone, and to our fellow Filipinos in various parts of the Philippines, for celebrating President Rodrigo Duterte’s 80th birthday),” the vice president said.
“Ngayon lang ako nakakita ng taong nag birthday na buong mundo ay mayroon siyang celebration sa kanyang birthday (It is rare to witness a birthday celebration that spans across the globe). And it shows the goodness of his heart and his love for the people because, otherwise, the people would not reciprocate that love. So, thank you very much, especially to our fellow Filipinos in the Philippines, who began celebrating at 2 p.m. and will continue until midnight, throughout this day of President Duterte’s birthday,” she added.
On Saturday, March 29, Vice President Duterte also released a video thanking supporters who held gatherings in the Philippines and abroad to celebrate his 80th birthday.
“Mga kababayan, aking taos-pusong pasasalamat sa lahat ng mga Pilipino na sumusuporta at nagmamahal kay dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. Sa mga kababayan natin sa Pilipinas, The Netherlands at iba’t ibang panig ng mundo—napakalaking bagay para kay Pangulong Duterte ang pagtitipon ninyo para sa kanyang pag-uwi at kaarawan (My countrymen, my heartfelt gratitude to all Filipinso who support and love former President Rodrigo Duterte. To Filipinos in the Philippines, The Netherlands, and other parts of the globe, President Duterte truly appreciates your gatherings for his birthday and return)” Sara said in a video message.
The vice president also asked their supporters to continue praying for her father.
“Hilingin din natin sa Diyos na sana ay makauwi na agad si Pangulong Duterte sa Pilipinas (Let’s pray to God for President Duterte to return home immediately)” she said. “Ang ating mga pagtitipon ay nagpapatunay ng lakas, tapang, at paninindigan ng mga Pilipino (Our gatherings prove the strength, courage, and determination of the Filipino people),” she further said.
