Duterte wishes Lucio Tan a ‘thousand years more’ on 83rd birthday

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday wished business tycoon Lucio Tan, who had been a subject of his tirades, a very long life.

Duterte made the statement as he led the unveiling of the new Airbus A350 and A321neo aircraft of flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL), which Tan chairs, in Pasay City.

"May God grant you a thousand years more of your life. Happy birthday, Mr. Tan. You are 83 years old and still a success story on all fronts," the President said, before quipping, "Saan iyong eroplano?"

"This milestone would not have been possible without the decisive leadership of Dr. Tan, who is celebrating his 83rd birthday today. Dr. Tan, I wish you a happy birthday and may you continue to be endowed with good health, countless blessings and greater success in all endeavors," he said.

Duterte said he has been patronizing PAL, which once monopolized the country's airline industry, for "more than 50 years."

The President in February said he would no longer bring up the businessman's alleged tax liabilities in the future after PAL settled unpaid dues and mounted special flights for distressed migrant Filipino workers from Kuwait.

Duterte again thanked PAL and its rival Cebu Pacific for repatriating hundreds of distressed Filipino workers free of charge.

"And I hope that somehow government can return the favor in the days to come. Salamat po sa lahat ng ginawa ninyo para sa ating mga kababayan," he said.

According to Duterte, PAL’s recent accomplishments and existing initiatives “will encourage more people to travel to the Philippines, thereby boosting our tourism industry.”

“Do remember that you serve as a gateway to the beauty of our islands and the vibrancy of our culture,” he said.

Duterte then assured the airline of his “full support” in realizing its vision of becoming a world-class airline. — MDM/BAP, GMA News