Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 27) – President Rodrigo Duterte is wishing for a “clean, fair and honest” election for his 77th birthday, which he will celebrate on Monday in Davao City, acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said on Sunday.
Duterte will mark the occasion with “a simple and quiet celebration” in his hometown, “in line with his family’s tradition,” Andanar said.
“His birthday wish for this year is to have a clean, fair, and honest election in May 2022, as he has time and again underscored the importance of a peaceful transfer of power as part of his enduring legacy,” he added.
Duterte previously said his administration would remain “neutral” during the campaign season.
Early this month, the PDP-Laban faction headed by Energy Secretary Cusi said Duterte would be “taking a more proactive role” to promote the ruling party’s candidates beginning late March.
The faction has endorsed the presidential bid of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Cusi clarified that the endorsement doesn’t mean that Duterte is supporting Marcos as Duterte has not yet named his preferred successor.
Last year, Duterte endorsed Senator Bong Go, but the lawmaker withdrew from the presidential race.
READ: Statement of Presidential Communications Secretary and Acting Presidential Spokesperson Martin Andanar on President Rodrigo Duterte's 77th Birthday tomorrow, March 28.
Andanar says President Duterte will mark the occasion with a simple and quiet celebration in Davao City. pic.twitter.com/3Qli0AcmFX
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) March 27, 2022
