Duterte to Diaz: Let bygones be bygones

It’s time to forgive and forget.

This was the message of President Duterte as she virtually congratulated Hidilyn Diaz upon her return to the country Wednesday.

“As expected, the nation is ecstatic about your achievement,” said Duterte. “Your achievement is the achievement of the Filipino nation. We are extremely proud.”

“We cannot express even in the words of an athlete how we should really be shouting hallelujah.”

“Pero salamat naman sa pag-tiis mo. I hope that the years of toil, the years of disappointment, and the years na hindi maganda ang nangyari in the past, you already have the gold – gold is gold.”

Duterte said that it’s time for Diaz to celebrate the victory, and forget – for the meantime – the hardships she went through to achieve her goal that she now shares with the entire nation.

“It could be good for you. Let bygones be bygones and dwell solely on your victory together with your family and of course with the nation. Ayusin mo mabuti buhay mo. You’ve been blessed by God,” said Duterte.

“Over and above all these monetary considerations, it’s always the honor that you brought to the country that counts most. Mabuhay ka. Ako naman ang magsaludo sayo.”

As she saluted the latest sporting hero of the country, Duterte gave Diaz the highest respect.

“Yes ma’am!”