(Screenshot/Courtesy of Manila Bulletin)
MANILA – The close-in staff of outgoing President Rodrigo R. Duterte hosted on Tuesday night an intimate party and drone show to thank him for his service to the country.
Malacañang protocol officer Jasmin Egan shared on her Facebook account a video recording of the show, which could be viewed from above the Malacañan Palace. The drone show spelled the word "Salamat" (Thank you).
Duterte watched the show from his official residence, the Bahay Pagbabago.
“For his last few days as president, we decided to honor him in his so-called ‘People’s Palace’. Flying above the Malacañan Palace, are 100 drones programmed in just less than a week. Different colors lighted in the night as our way of telling him how thankful we are to have him as our President,” Egan said in the post.
“This may not be enough to wrap up all the words but he appreciated our effort. For the nth time, #SalamatPRRD,” she added.
Writer Krizette Laureta Chu also shared a photo of Duterte sitting behind a white cake with the phrase "Salamat PRRD" inscribed on it.
“Look at their Salamat, PRRD cake. You know you’re a good person if your own staff love you and don’t want to leave you. Salamat talaga sa mga staff ni PRRD (Thank you so much to the staff of PRRD) for being his family when he’s here in Malacanang all alone,” Chu said.
Duterte is set to leave the presidency on June 30. He will be succeeded by President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Malacañang earlier said the 77-year-old president is ready to retire from politics and spend his time as a private citizen with his family and loved ones in his hometown, Davao City.
However, Duterte himself said he would continue fighting the illegal drug trade as an ordinary citizen.
Marcos offered him to become drug czar in the new administration, but Duterte turned down the offer.
In his remaining days in office, Duterte will be spending most of his time flying back and forth from Malacañan Palace in Manila to his official residence in Davao City, according to Deputy Presidential Spokesperson and Communications Undersecretary Michel Kristian Ablan. (PNA)
