The leadership of the House of Representatives wished President Rodrigo Duterte good health, peace, and joy as he celebrated his 77th birthday on Monday.

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco said it has been an honor to be considered an “ally and friend” of Duterte, as he wished the President a “long healthy life”.

“On behalf of the House of Representatives and the Filipino people, thank you for all you have done for our country. May your legacy of meaningful change and comprehensive development live on in the hearts and minds of the next generations to come,” Velasco said in his birthday message to Duterte.

Velasco also hoped that Duterte would enjoy his special day “surrounded by the warmth of your family and loved ones”.

Meanwhile, Majority Leader Martin Romualdez highlighted that the Duterte administration’s achievements would be remembered in “generations to come”.

“As we join him in celebration, we also wish to express the appreciation of a grateful nation for all the personal sacrifices that the President has made to serve his fellow countrymen. Rest assured, Mr. President, that your services to the country will be remembered in generations to come,” Romualdez said.

“We also pray to the Lord Almighty that He grants President Duterte more years of good health, peace and joy both in his public and private life. May God continue to guide him as he seeks ways to improve the living condition of our people and provide a safe community for every Filipino family,” he added.

Malacañang said Duterte’s wish for this year is “to have a clean, fair, and honest election in May 2022, as he has time and again underscored the importance of a peaceful transfer of power as part of his enduring legacy”.

Duterte is set to end his six-year term in June as the Filipinos prepare to elect the country’s next on May 9 national and local elections. (PNA)