President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (File photo)
MANILA – The First Family took to social media to express their appreciation to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. who turned 67 on Friday, assuring him of their full support.
In a vlog uploaded on Marcos’ official Facebook page, his sons, Senior House Deputy Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro, Joseph Simon and William Vincent, looked back on their best memories with him and shared the pieces of advice they had received from their father.
“I think it’s no secret that I respect him hugely and I’ve learned so much from him and I continue to learn so much from him,” Sandro said, as he recalled his father’s “best” advice to avoid panicking when dealing with problems.
“Pa, Happy, Happy Birthday. We all love you so much. and I hope you know we always will be behind you, 100 percent. Love you,” he added.
Joseph Simon said one of the “surprising” things about his father is that “he never really wanted to go to politics” because the latter would have rather studied Mathematics and Physics or would have become a rockstar.
While he admitted that he does not envy his father’s job considering the stress and problems a president have to face, Sandro said he and his brothers “respect him and everything that he’s doing.”
William Vincent believed his father is the most qualified person to lead the country.
“As a president, I’m happy to have him for our country economically, politically. I don’t think I could choose anybody else aside from my father,” he said.
Sandro said he appreciates Marcos for making time for him and his brothers, as well as for taking their mother, First Lady Liza, on dinner dates, despite his busy schedule.
Marcos’ youngest son also hoped that he would have more “free time” with his family.
“Typically, my dad’s always working but like yeah, now that you think about it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen the house a full day free, like usually, he will have either the morning free or the evening free. So if it’s morning, then we’ll do a sport like gym or shoot. If it’s the evening, we usually have dinner and then watch a movie,” William Vincent said.
“Happy Birthday, Pa. Please don’t get too stressed out. Try and find some free time to go camping or… I mean camping may be hard now but yeah, I wish you have more free time,” he added.
Like his brothers, Simon said his birthday wish for his father is that “he stays himself, he stays an awesome guy, [and] an awesome, cool amazing parent that he has always been”.
In a separate Facebook post, the First Lady greeted her husband, describing him as the “sweetest and kindest soul I’ve ever known.”
“I’m so proud of everything you’ve accomplished, and through it all, you’ve remained the same tender-hearted, compassionate person who first captured my heart. I love you to the moon and back, and I always will,” she said.
‘More strength to move PH forward’
Meanwhile, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez also extended his greetings to his first cousin, with wishes for his continued success, excellent health, and strength to move the country forward to greater progress.
“May this year bring even more outstanding achievements and fulfillment,” Romualdez said in a statement.
“We stand firmly with you as we work toward the shared goal of uplifting the lives of our countrymen and securing a brighter future for all,” the Speaker said, reassuring Marcos of the House of Representatives' unwavering support for the legislative agenda of the administration until 2028.
Romualdez said the leadership provided by the President continues to inspire the members of the House and that they are “honored to walk this meaningful journey alongside you.”
“Your steadfast dedication to the Filipino people shines through in every action you take,” he added.
On a personal note, Romualdez expressed gladness at how President Marcos’ political career has blossomed.
“Having had the privilege of witnessing your journey over the years, I am filled with pride as I see your unwavering commitment to leading our nation toward unity and progress,” he said.
“On this special day, I extend my warmest greetings and deepest appreciation for the remarkable leader and individual you have become. Happiest birthday, Mr. President!” he added. (with a report from Jose Cielito Reganit/PNA)
