Duterte wishes Hidilyn Diaz more success in life

SILVER IN RIO: Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz shows off her silver medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics, ending the Philippines’ 20-year medal drought. (Photo by TED S. MELENDRES/INQUIRER)

DAVAO CITY – President Duterte thanked Hidilyn Diaz for giving honor to the country by winning a silver medal in weightlifting in the Rio Olympics.

“Salamat. Saludo po ako sa inyo (Thank You.  I salute you),”  Duterte said in a press conference late Monday night.

“I would like to congratulate Ms Diaz for the honor that she has given us, and I am praying that you will be successful in your life,” the President said.

Diaz gave the Philippines its first medal in the Rio Olympics by winning silver medal in the women’s 53-kilogram weightlifting competition on Sunday. It was also the first medal of the Philippines in the Olympics in two decades.

Duterte said he would wait for Diaz’s return to the country.

“I am impressed, and I would like to wait for you, to receive you in the People’s Palace of Malacanang,” the President said.

“As a president of this country, I am overjoyed. Silver is silver, kahit ano sabihin mo (whatever one says),” he added.  SFM/rga