Duterte attends 41st birthday celebration of Rep. Karlo Nograles

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. (REY BANIQUET/Presidential Photo)

DAVAO CITY — President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday night graced the 41st birthday celebration of Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexie Nograles, underscoring Nograles’ legislative work that made significant impact to the country.

President Duterte was welcomed by Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles, PBA Partylist Rep. Jericho “Koko” Nograles, and former House Speaker, Atty. Prospero “Boy” Nograles.

“I wish my nephew — pagumangkon man ko ni si Karlo Bendigo Nograles — a happy birthday. Daghang salamat ha, sa imong tabang kanako niaging mga panahuna. May this celebration be marked with more blessings and joy,” President Duterte said in his speech.

“Karlo’s strong public advocacies go beyond the interests of the people of Davao City. His proactive legislative work in promoting the welfare of the youth and the workers is making significant impact in the entire country,” he said.

Duterte said that Nograles has his admiration and respect for the work he has done for the country.

“I hope you stay by my side as we serve the country and work to make lasting and meaningful changes in the Philippines,” Duterte said.

President Duterte said both he and Nograles are workers of government.

“My job: to protect the people and defend the Republic of the Philippines. Period,” he said.

During the event, President Duterte also administered the oath to Nograles as a new member of the PDP.

“So si Karlo is accepted into the force of the PDP.  And we are proud that one of the most powerful congressmen would be a member of this party,” Duterte said.

Meanwhile, in a media interview following the event, President Duterte said he will be pursuing the peace talks with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“Ang sabi ko na nga sa buong bayan, ako na ‘yung Presidente magsasabi sa inyo. If we cannot reconfigure a political structure to suit everybody’s needs and fulfill their demands because it is really valid, Mindanao will be at war for all times. And I hope it will not,” Duterte said.

In response to Senator Antonio Trillanes’ allegations against his son, Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo “Pulong” Duterte and son-in-law Atty. Mananes Carpio, President Duterte stressed the importance of evidence, adding that a case cannot be filed based on hearsay.

President Duterte called Senator Trillanes a “political ISIS,” adding that Trillanes is on a “fishing expedition” during Senate hearings.

“Si Trillanes nga poilitical ISIS eh. Walang alam, basta gusto, bira lang ng bira, akala niya, tama siya. Ang nakakatawa diyan, kasi when he talks, it is as if talagang alam niya ang batas,” Duterte said.

“Sinong tatawagin niyo? Ako, ang advice ko kay Pulong? Punta ka doon, then pagdating mo and he questions, sabihin mo lang na, “I will not answer you, I’m invoking my right of silence kasi nung eleksyon pa, hindi pa Presidente ang tatay ko, binibira mo na kami,” he said.

“So if you want evidence, Mr. Trililing, do not get it from the mouth of other people. Go somewhere else. ‘Yung tinitira mo, gusto mo ring ipitin.  Hindi ka abogado, hindi ka marunong niyan,” he added.