Vice President Sara Duterte said former President Rody Duterte sent a birthday message to Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa during her visit to the Netherlands.
In an interview, the Vice President said she greeted dela Rosa on his birthday while she was abroad to visit her father, who is currently in the Netherlands in connection with proceedings at the International Criminal Court. She added that the former president also conveyed his own birthday wishes to the senator.
According to Sara Duterte, Rodrigo Duterte wished dela Rosa good health, happiness, and success for the year ahead. The former president also made a light remark about the senator’s nickname “Bato,” jokingly wishing him strength and firmness like a rock.
She said her father usually follows the same pattern in greeting people on their birthdays, emphasizing good health first, followed by happiness and then success. He believes health is essential, happiness contributes to personal well-being, and success completes the hope for a good year.
Dela Rosa, a close ally of the former President, marked his birthday amid continued public attention over his prolonged absence from Senate sessions. The brief message underscored the enduring personal ties between Duterte and Senator Dela Rosa.
