On Mother’s Day President Marcos thanks Liza for defending family

MANILA, Philippines — As Filipinos celebrated Mother’s Day yesterday, President Marcos expressed his appreciation to his wife, First Lady Liza Marcos for defending her family “at any turn.”

“To this dear lady, who not only fills our home with love but stands ready to defend her family at any turn – happy Mother’s Day!” Marcos said in a post on his social media pages, which was accompanied by a family photo.

“We are incredibly lucky to have you by our side. Your strength and compassion not only safeguard our family but also uplift our entire nation,” he said.

In a separate post on Facebook, the President also honored all those who play mother to someone.

“To our wonderful mothers, single moms, fathers who play the role of mother, and to everyone who stands up as a mother, I want to convey that your infinite love and sacrifices serve as a guiding light and strengthens our society,” Marcos said.

In an interview with broadcaster Anthony Taberna aired on YouTube last month, Liza admitted snubbing Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte during the recent sendoff and arrival ceremonies for her husband at the airport.

She said she was hurt when Duterte was seen laughing in a video when her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte called her husband bangag or high on drugs during a prayer rally in Davao City.

“Imagine a former president calling (my husband) bangag… Why would you call (him) bangag? And then the camera panned on her (Sara), laughing. So of course, I saw it. I said, ‘wow man.’ I mean, for me, I was hurt because my husband will do everything to protect you,” Liza said.

In a media interview, also last month, the President said his wife’s inexperience led to her outburst.

“The First Lady is not used to politics. We have been numb to insults. She didn’t come from a political family, she still has to learn to ignore hurtful accusations,” Marcos said.

Meanwhile, the Vice President underscored the important role mothers play in paving the future and strengthening communities as the country celebrated Mother’s Day.

Calling them “unsung heroes,” Duterte paid tribute to mothers, thanking them for the “selfless sacrifices they make every day to nurture and care for their families.”

“To all the mothers who work hard to improve their families’ condition – whether inside or outside the country, whether in their own homes or in their respective professions – your very important role in building a strong nation that will lead us towards more prosperous future is immeasurable,” she said.

Duterte assured mothers that she is one with them in hoping for the government’s efforts to bear fruit for the welfare of children, communities and the country.

“We take this moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for the selfless sacrifices they make every day to nurture and care for their families,” she said. — Neil Jayson Servallos