When he turns 72 years old next week, President Duterte will be wishing more strength and time to serve the nation and address the country’s problems.
The President said he has already reached the “apex” of his career and no longer wants any gifts except for extra strength for his birthday on March 28.
“My wish really, my prayer to God is that bigyan niya ako ng konting lakas na lang to do overwork time because it is needed,” Duterte said in a press conference upon arrival in Manila from his visits to Thailand and Myanmar yesterday.
“I only ask God that give me a little bit of time, a little strength to surmount the problems of the country, and that I’d be able, not really to solve but maybe mitigate some of the rigors of governance at ang problema,” he added.
Duterte admitted that 24 hours are “not really enough time for the presidency” unless he sleeps for around four hours. Reviewing all State documents, Duterte said, consumes much of his working hours.
A lawyer by profession, the President said he must be “extra careful and judicious” in studying such documents to avoid getting impeached from office. “I really must understand what I’m approving. Mahirap na po ma-impeach. No more, ‘pag na-impeach tayo,” he added.
Duterte sought for the Lord’s help as he expects to be “walking slowly” in about five to seven years. “Ang hinihingi ko po lang, tulong lang sa Diyos at konting o maraming pagka – ‘yung ano, people will understand what I’m doing,” he said.
Duterte also made clear that he does not accept gifts, especially lavish presents, on his birth anniversary.
He said he was already too old to wear expensive watches and jewelry. “I have reached the apex of my career, material things which I cannot and will no longer be of use to me,” he said. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)