Duterte to spend 75th birthday in Manila

President Rodrigo Duterte will spend his 75th birthday in Manila on Saturday, a departure from his tradition of celebrating it in the comfort of his home in Davao City.

Duterte would be staying at the Bahay Pagbabago inside the Malacañang Complex, where he would monitor developments on the government’s fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), said Presidential Security Group commander Colonel Jesus Durante III.

Durante added that, aside from there being no plans for the President to fly to Davao where he usually spends his birthday with his family, neither was the President expected to receive guests on his birthday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Duterte faced the “dilemma” of celebrating his birthday with his grandchildren in Davao or spending it “dangerously” in Manila to lead the “war of survival” against COVID-19.

“Consistent with his daredevil character and deep filial ties, the President will most likely opt to either being ensconced safely and quietly with his loved ones in his comfort zone or continue with his manning the ramparts against the enemy,” Panelo said.

“Given his dexterity it is unsurprising if he would probably do both with ease.” — DVM, GMA News