PRRD to spend 74th birthday at home

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) campaign rally at the South Cotabato Sports Complex in Koronadal City on March 26, 2019. RICHARD MADELO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte wants to spend his 74th birthday on Thursday, March 28, in the comfort of his home in Davao City rather than host a grand celebration.

“Ayaw kong mag-celebrate ng birthday. Gusto ko sa bahay lang, matulog ako (I don’t want to celebrate my birthday. I just want to stay at home, sleep),” Duterte bared this during the PDP-Laban campaign rally in Koronadal City on Tuesday.

The President, however, said he looks forward to spending more time with his children and grandchildren.

Duterte, the oldest to be elected President in Philippine history, has always kept his birthday celebrations quiet and simple.

A day before his birthday, Duterte’s former aide Christopher “Bong” Go sent him greetings and vowed to stay by his side.

“Wishing my boss and mentor, President Rodrigo Duterte, 50 more years to live to serve our fellow Filipinos,” Go said in a statement.

“Tulad ng pangako ko, hanggang sa huling hininga ng aking buhay ay sasamahan ko siya at hindi iiwan (Like my promise, I will accompany him and never leave him until the last breath of my life),” he added.

Go, who is running for a Senate seat, also thanked the President for trusting him and campaigning for him in the midterm elections.

He also confirmed that in working for Duterte for the past 21 years, the chief executive was never known to throw lavish parties even as Davao City mayor.