Rody, 72, wishes for more strength to carry on

MANILA, Philippines -  Turning 72 on March 28, President Duterte cannot ask for more, except prayers that he be given more time and strength to be able to finish his term.

Duterte shuns expensive gifts and would rather spend quality time with his family, especially his grandchildren, the youngest of whom is Stonefish, son of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

“I have everything I need. No more gifts, except maybe a prayer to God for my country,” said the President upon arriving from Myanmar and Thailand early yesterday.

“I’m 72 years old. Give or take the reality of it all, in about five to seven years, I’m about ready by that time also. By that time, God willing, if I complete the term, I would be walking slowly… medyo, saguyud na sa Bisaya,” he said.

Known for hurling invectives even against world leaders, Duterte said he has been turning to God and praying for a longer life to serve the country better. 

“My prayer to God is that bigyan niya ako ng konting lakas na lang (give me strength) to do our… overwork time because it is needed. Twenty-four hours is not really enough for the presidency, unless you want to sleep more than just about four hours.”

He has been keen on reviewing every document he signs as part of his job, he said, adding it pays to be diligent or face impeachment for signing documents that might violate his mandate.  

“So extra careful, extra judicious. I only ask God to give me a little bit of time, a little strength to surmount the problems of the country and that I’d be able, not really to solve but maybe mitigate some of the rigors of governance.”

He said he has reached the apex of his career and wants to make his remaining life worthwhile, like reaching out to the communists and strike a sincere peace pact with them.

“That would be part of my legacy,” he said.

The President is not used to having grand birthday celebrations even when he was mayor of Davao. He said his father had taught him how to be frugal and live a simple life as befits a public official.

While he shuns expensive gifts, he is happy to receive donations like sacks of rice, which he said he would give to the poor.

Cake from Thai PM

Speaking before the Filipino community in Bangkok on Wednesday, the President announced that Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha gave him a birthday cake the day before, prompting the crowd to spontaneously sing “happy birthday.”

He said he was embarrassed when Prayut, whom he described as kabait or very kind, gave him the cake.

 “It was his birthday last night, but he knew that my birthday is also nearing. He left for a while and had a cake made for me. I was very embarrassed,” Duterte said.

“Thank you. The most beautiful lady there, the one without commitment, please stand up so I can kiss you,” he joked with the crowd.

He praised Thailand, which he described as a good and loyal friend of the Philippines.

“We love Thailand. Thailand gives us livelihood. They provided employment and so we should be a loyal friend and support Thailand all the way,” he said.

Duterte assured the Filipino community that he would fulfill his campaign promises, including putting an end to illegal drugs and corruption.

The President said he wants working abroad to be just an option for Filipinos within the next ten years as he vowed to rid the government of corruption and promote programs that would serve public interest.

“My dream is that Filipinos won’t need to go abroad to work. I won’t be able to attain that anymore but I will start working for it. In about ten years, you won’t need to leave the country.”