On Mother’s Day, Duterte wishes moms ‘contented life’

MANILA, Philippines— President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday greeted mothers across the globe Day and wished them a “ very contented life” as they celebrate Mother’s Day.

 “Sa lahat ng mga nanay sa Pilipinas at sa buong mundo na lang, Happy Mother's Day at I wish you a very contented life,” the president said in a video posted by his former aide, Christopher Go.

"I know how is it to be a mother because may nanay ako at nakita ko ang hirap at ginhawang ginawa niya para sa pamilya ko pero mabuhay kayong lahat mga nanay (because I had a mother and I saw all the hardships and relief she did for my family but hail to all the mothers),” Duterte said.

Duterte was referring to his late mother Soledad Roa-Duterte, whom he often mentions in his speeches. He usually mentions the sacrifices his mother made for the family.

Earlier this month, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III signed the implementing rules and regulations of a new law that extends paid maternity leave to 105 days from the current 60.

Meanwhile, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo also paid tribute to mothers on Sunday.  

“Today, May 12, we take time and greet all mothers a Happy Mother’s Day,” Panelo said in a statement.

“Nobody, not even the fathers, can equal the tender, love and care that mothers shower their children from the time of their birth till their growing years,” he added.

Palace also recognized the sacrifice of every mother to provide sustenance, growth and development to their children and called these acts of love as “immeasurable and incomparable.”

“The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God, as St. Therese of Liseux said, is the heart of a mother. From morning until dawn, she struggles to make the child not only happy but protected from any harm, injury or illness. She toils as well for the realization of the offspring’s dream,” the Malacañang’s message read.

“For such virtues, the world should give universal recognition to these worthy women of unsurpassed selflessness, and place them into the pantheon of heroes,” it added.