Former Palace chief legal counsel Atty. Salvador Panelo spoke highly of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as he celebrated his 80th birthday today.

“While there is incongruity and irony in your countrymen’s celebrating your 80th birthday while you lay alone incarcerated in a foreign land, there is universal recognition of the legacies you bequeathed your countrymen and continuing gratitude for the selfless governance you generously bestowed them,” said Panelo.

The former palace official said, “The Filipino people, even as they are in a state of sadness and outrage by your unconstitutional arrest, detention, kidnapping, and the surrender of the country’s sovereignty by the state authorities, take time from their work and activities to greet you on your natal day.”

He further stated, “In an unprecedented global unity and action, they gather in solidarity and in love from wherever they are to wish you a glorious and Happy Birthday!”

Panelo continued, “The government officials whose paramount duty is to serve and protect the people, violating all norms of ethics and legalities — uprooted you forcibly from the land of your birth you have faithfully served for more than half of your life.”

He said the political scoundrels wielding power and wallowing in unexplained affluence, instead of giving protection to a Filipino citizen, as commanded by the Constitution, have betrayed their oath of office and brazenly transgressed it.

Despite this, Panelo mentioned that the Filipino people have taken it upon themselves to share with you on this special day of your life — in silent jubilation and joyous thanksgiving for your being God’s gift to this country.

“Wishing you good health and praying for your immediate and triumphant return to the Philippines. HAPPY BIRTHDAY FPRRD !!!”