December 26, 2025 | 12:00am
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr..
Photos courtesy of PCO
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday expressed hope that Filipinos would enjoy good health and prosperity as he urged them to be grateful for the graces they received this year.
“I hope you are in good condition. As the year ends, let us be thankful for all the blessings we received,” the President said in a video message.
“In all the trials we courageously faced, we emerged triumphant. As we celebrate Christmas and New Year, I hope we will be blessed with good health and be surrounded with good family and friends and a more prosperous livelihood,” he added.
The brief video message ended with the President, First Lady Liza Marcos and their children House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, Joseph Simon and William Vincent wishing the nation a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Vice President Sara Duterte spent Christmas at her family’s ancestral home in Davao City where she led the “Pahalipay sa Taal,” the Duterte family’s long-standing annual gift-giving tradition.
In her message, Duterte said she is wishing for the peace and stability of the Philippines as she asked Filipinos to love the country, “for God, and for every Filipino family.”
She said Christmas can only be meaningful if God’s blessings are shared with others, especially with those struggling in life, including the sick, orphaned and homeless.
Meanwhile, her sister Kitty Duterte penned a heartfelt message to their father, former president Rodrigo Duterte who is currently jailed in The Hague, Netherlands as he is facing charges for crimes against humanity.
“Papa, whatever you are doing, I know you are still awake by now. The greatest gift God has ever given me is a strong papa, who molded me into an even stronger woman. Papa, you always laugh when you look at me and tell me it’s because of how alike we are— from the physical features to the internal character,” Kitty said on Instagram.
“Merry Christmas sweet papa, I will always be your bossy and chunky Kitty,” she added.
Camellia Catt
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