Vice President Sara Duterte. Screen grab from birthday video greeting for former President Rodrigo Duterte.

MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte made a heart-warming greeting for her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte on his 80th birthday today, March 25. 

In a video message, the vice president expressed gratitude to her father for strictly instilling in her the value of education. 

“Warmest birthday wishes to Former President Rodrigo Duterte,” she said. 

“I learned resilience and courage in your exigence. Thank you for teaching me the value of education. I wish you love, good health and happiness,” she said. 

She finished it with a “Happy 80th birthday Papa!” 

In another video, the vice president thanked all Filipinos who continue to support her father who is now facing a legal battle before the International Criminal Court at The Hague, Netherlands over charges of crimes against humanity due to killings associated with her administration in Davao City as mayor and in the entire Philippines as president. 

“Aking taos-pusong pasasalamat sa lahat ng mga Pilipino na sumusuporta at nagmamahal kay dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte,” she said. 

Since the former president’s arrest, protests in and out of the country have been continuously staged by his supporters urging authorities to bring him back to the Philippines. 

“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,” she said. 

“Maraming salamat at napapagaan nito ang mga hamon na hinaharap niya ngayon, she said. 

The younger Duterte called for prayers for her father’s good health, long life and his immediate return to the Philippines. 

“Sa kanyang pagdiriwang  ng kanyang 80th birthday, huwag nating kalimutan na ipagdasal sa Diyos na sana ay biyayaan pa siya ng mas magandang kalusugan at mas mahabang buhay. Hilingin din natin sa Diyos na sana ay makauwi na agad si Pangulong Duterte sa Pilipinas,” she said. 

As campaign season heats up, the vice president reminds their supporters to show their love for the former leader especially on election day. 

“Sana ay magpatuloy din ang inyong suporta at pagmamahal sa ating dating Pangulo hanggang sa darating na halalan ng ating mga senador,” she said. 

The vice president has been staying in the Netherlands fixing her father’s defense team. Her stepmother, Honeylet Avancena and half-sister Veronica “Kitty” Duterte had just arrived at The Hague to visit their patriarch. 

The vice president said she has a return ticket but is still unsure of  the exact date of her return.