This is part of what makes President Rodrigo Duterte a charming leader. In spite of his tough-guy image, he’s unafraid to show his soft side.
President Duterte could not hold back tears during his visit at the Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP) Medical Center in Quezon City, Philippine Star reports.
He was particularly touched by the story of 2Lt. Jerome Jacuba, a soldier who lost his sight during a battle in Maguidanao.
Jacuba, 28, was among 69 soldiers that the President visited on Aug 2 at the hospital’s Heroes’ Ward.
“His right eye is totally blind due to a ruptured lobe. He underwent retinal detachment. There is light perception in his left eye but his sight cannot be restored anymore,” said Maj. William Recuenco, a member of the medical team that operated on Jacuba.
A number of soldiers tried to get off their beds to give a salute to the commander-in-chief, but the President himself stopped them.
In his speech, the President promised the he won’t abandon the soldiers. He spent about five hours interacting with them and listening to their stories.
He said that his administaration has a wide range of medical, health, social services and educational benefits for the soldiers and their families.
Before leaving each patient, he invited them to dinner in Malacañang in the coming days.
