Duterte on Christmas: Let compassion, kindness guide us

President Rodrigo Duterte has urged the public to reflect on the lessons from the birth of Jesus this Yuletide season.

In his Christmas message aired over state-run PTV on Friday night, Duterte extended his greetings to Filipinos as families and friends are expected to "celebrate the nativity of Jesus, share life’s many blessings and demonstrate our love and gratitude for each other."

"As we take part in this joyous occasion, may we contemplate on the worth of the lessons that we can learn from the narrative of Christ’s birth. Let the ideas of compassion, kindness and reconciliation guide us as we embrace our countrymen in the spirit of shared humanity," Duterte said.

"Together let us bring hope and peace in our nation this Yuletide season as we welcome the coming year with much hope and optimism," he added.

Duterte also wished everyone a "happy and meaningful" Christmas, a religious and cultural festivity primarily observed by members of the Roman Catholic Church on December 25.

The Philippines is a predominantly Catholic nation. —NB, GMA News