Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed gratitude to Filipinos who continue to support former President Rodrigo Duterte amid his current situation abroad, as the former president celebrates his birthday away from the Philippines for the first time.

In an interview on Tuesday, after attending the Annual General Assembly of the Abraham Senior Citizens Association at the Parañaque Sports Complex, Senator Go called for unity, peace and prayers for Duterte’s safe return, as he is currently detained in the Netherlands.

“My wish for Tatay Digong is good health,” said Senator Go in Filipino. “You know, it’s really hard being alone there… I’m praying for his health, safety and freedom.”

He highlighted the emotional toll Duterte is facing. “Tatay Digong is already a senior citizen. It’s hard to be far from family. I feel sad. What gives him strength is his great-grandchild. Whenever he feels lonely, that’s what makes him laugh. But now, his grandchild is not with him, he can’t be with them, he can’t talk to them.”

The senator reiterated that Filipinos must be the ones to judge their leaders. “I hope we pray for him. I’m calling for peace, unity, and for Tatay Digong’s freedom. Filipinos should be the ones to judge him.”

“He did everything for the Filipino people, for our fellow citizens, so they can walk at night safely, without being harmed. Filipinos should be the ones to judge him,” he added.

Senator Go then made a strong appeal to the public: “I call on everyone not to stop until he gets home. Let’s not stop praying. Let’s not stop calling for his return.”

As Duterte celebrates his birthday far from home for the first time, Senator Go recalled how the former president traditionally spent his special day simply and generously.

“It’s sad, this is the first birthday he’s spending away from all of us, from our fellow Filipinos. Tatay Digong celebrates his birthday simply. Honestly, it’s very simple. He just stays at home. No special guests. No parties. Just whatever food there is.”

Senator Go shared a tradition Duterte kept for over two decades. “And I know this for the past 24 years. Every birthday, he prefers to feed cancer patients or those in homes for the elderly. I remember when he was still mayor, we fed people at a relocation site for those who were moved from illegal settlements. That’s where he brought the cake and fed our less fortunate countrymen.”