Palace wishes Duterte 'good health, good fortune' for his 80th birthday

Malacañang on Friday wished former President Rodrigo Duterte good health and fortune on his 80th birthday.

At a press conference, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro briefly sang ''Happy Birthday'' for Duterte.

''Katulad po ng sinabi natin noong nakaraan, dapat lamang po nating batiin ng 'Happy Birthday, ang dating Pangulong Duterte,'' Castro said.

(As I've said earlier, it's just proper to greet him 'Happy Birthday.')

''And of course we wish more years to come, we also wish good health, good fortune, kailangan po niya 'yan (he needs that),'' she added.

Duterte is currently facing charges for murder as a crime against humanity before the International Criminal Court. He was arrested in the Philippines on March 11 and was brought to The Hague, Netherlands shortly after.

His supporters are set to conduct rallies in some parts of the country to mark his birthday.

Castro said that the activities for Duterte would not be prevented as long as they continue to follow regulations and the law.

'''Pag sumigaw na ibagsak ang gobyerno, isa 'yan. Kapag nagpatuloy ng pananalita to sow fear, ipromote pa 'yung hatred sa government, bordering the line of inciting to sedition. Dapat alam po nila 'yan,'' Castro said.

(If they call for overthrowing the government, if their statements sow fear, and if they're promoting hatred towards the government, bordering the line of inciting sedition, they should know that.)

''Huwag lamang po silang lalagpas at maituturing na ang kanilang ginagawa ay labag sa batas,'' she added.

(They should know their limitations and not disregard the law.) —VAL, GMA Integrated News