MANILA - President-elect Rodrigo Duterte's sister, Eleanor, has arrived in Manila in time for her brother's inauguration in Malacañang on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters, Eleanor said their late mother would have been greatly proud of Duterte's massive victory in the presidential race.

The late Soledad Duterte had always believed in the capabilities of the long-time mayor of Davao City despite being a hard-headed boy both at home and in school.

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"I'm happy not because I'm the sister, but I'm happy that my mother answered my prayer. Siya talaga. Kung buhay lang ang nanay ko, hindi makapaniwala yun," said Eleanor.

"If my mother were alive today, she probably will be dumbfounded that her son became the first Mindanaoan to sit in the office," she said.

Their father, on the other hand, would only probably wonder how the 71-year-old Duterte emerged to become the Philippines' 16th president, Eleanor said in jest.

"My father will probably scratch his head how his son became president," she said. "Di ba kinukwento niya (Duterte) na tinapon siya ng Ateneo, nag-graduate siya dun sa high school sa Holy Cross."

According to Eleanor, it is most likely destiny that brought her brother to where he is now.

"Well, there's such a thing as destiny. Fate and destiny, sometimes, is hard to question," she said.

- Report from Alex Calda, dzMM