Malacañang extended birthday wishes to former President Rodrigo Duterte on his 80th birthday, emphasizing good health and continued fortune despite his current legal battle abroad.
During a press briefing on Friday, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro even sang a short line of “Happy Birthday” for the former president. “As mentioned before, it’s only right to greet former President Duterte. We wish him more years, good health, and good fortune—he needs that,” she said.
Duterte is currently detained in The Hague, facing charges before the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity tied to his war on drugs. He was arrested in the Philippines on March 11 and flown to the Netherlands shortly after.
Supporters have planned rallies in different areas to commemorate his birthday. The Palace said such gatherings are permitted as long as they remain lawful.
However, Castro warned that any demonstration calling for the government’s overthrow or inciting hatred may cross legal boundaries. “They must know their limits—once it borders on inciting sedition or promoting fear, that’s another matter,” she said.