Duterte brings holiday cheer to young cancer patients in Davao City

President Rodrigo Duterte spread the Christmas cheer among young cancer patients in Davao City on Saturday.

Accompanied by Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, Duterte visited the Southern Philippines Medical Center Children's Cancer Institute and joined the patients in a Christmas party in a hall decorated with balloons.

President Rodrigo Duterte talks to one of the pediatric cancer patients at the Southern Philippines Medical Center Children's Cancer Institute in Davao City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019. Karl Norman Alonzo/Presidential Photo

The children greeted Duterte via the traditional "mano" gesture, putting the President's hand to their foreheads.

President Rodrigo Duterte hands a gift to one of the pediatric cancer patients at the Southern Philippines Medical Center Children's Cancer Institute in Davao City during a Christmas party on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019. Karl Norman Alonzo/Presidential Photo

The President was seen in one of the photos handing an "ampao" or Chinese red envelope usually used to give cash gifts.

One of the young patients held a sign saying "I [heart] Kuya Bong Go, Tatay Digong." 

One of the pediatric cancer patients at the Southern Philippines Medical Center Children's Cancer Institute in Davao City expresses his fondness for President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Christopher "Bong" Go during their visit on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019. Karl Norman Alonzo/Presidential Photo

The President is spending the holidays with his family in Davao City. —KG, GMA News