Vice President Sara Duterte emphasized the importance of defending the rights of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, as she extended birthday greetings for his 81st birthday on Saturday, March 28.
In her statement, the Vice President expressed gratitude to supporters, volunteer groups, and millions of Filipinos both in the country and abroad who organized activities to honor the former chief executive.
“Today, we celebrate the birthday of my father, our former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” she said. “To all the parallel support groups, volunteers, and the millions of Filipinos here and abroad who organized celebrations to honor him, maraming salamat sa inyong walang sawang pagmamahal at katapatan.”
She noted that the continued public support reflects a kind of leadership that prioritized the safety and dignity of Filipino families.
“Your loyalty to him is a testament to a leadership that truly prioritized the safety and dignity of every Filipino family.”
However, Duterte stressed that the occasion goes beyond celebration, underscoring the need to stand firm on issues of rights and national sovereignty.
“But as we celebrate, we also stand firm. The defense of his rights is a defense of our national sovereignty.”
She warned against external interference, referring to the case filed before the International Criminal Court involving allegations of crimes against humanity linked to the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign.
“We must remain vigilant against the weaponization of the law and the unconstitutional intrusion of foreign bodies that seek to bypass our own courts,” she added.
In closing, Duterte called on Filipinos to remain steadfast in defending the country’s dignity and independence.
“Our justice system must remain independent, serving only the mandate of the Filipino people and never the interests of foreign powers.”
“To the Filipino people: thank you for being our strength. Through the storms and challenges, your resilience remains our inspiration. Patuloy nating ipaglaban ang dangal ng ating bansa. Mahalin natin ang Pilipinas—para sa Diyos, sa Bayan, at sa bawat Pamilyang Pilipino,” she concluded.