Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Tuesday congratulated outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte as the latter finishes his presidential term.

In an interview at the Senate, Pimentel thanked Duterte for his sacrifices for the nation.

“I wish him good health after his tenure as President so he can spend more time with his family. Enjoy non-political life for the time being or at last. Kasi more than 30 years na yata si President Duterte sa public service [Because I think President Duterte has been in public service for more than 30 years already],” Pimentel said.

Pimentel added that the changes people will see would be Duterte’s “major legacy.”

“Maraming physical changes. ‘Yan naman ang nakikita talaga ng tao [There are many physical changes. That is what people really see]. That would be his major legacy,” he said.

Pimentel earlier declared that he is “no longer a personal ally” of Duterte as they no longer talk and are no longer in the same political party.

The Partido Demokratiko-Lakas ng Bayan has two factions—the wing of Secretary Alfonso Cusi and the wing of Pimentel and Senator Manny Pacquiao.

Cusi’s faction was recognized as the dominant majority party by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) prior to the May 9 polls.

Amid issues and speculations, Pimentel said he holds no grudges against Duterte.

“Wala akong sama ng loob at tuloy ang laban [I don’t hold any grudges (against Duterte) and the fight goes on]. We will never surrender. But the case does not involve Duterte. It involves Secretary Cusi. Kami na ni Secretary Cusi ang magbangaan [This clash is between me and Secretary Cusi],” Pimentel said.

Photo Credit: Facebook/AttyKoko