MANILA (UPDATE) - President Rodrigo Duterte will spend his birthday on Saturday while in self-quarantine in Malacañang, his spokesman said Friday, as the chief executive is needed to oversee the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Duterte, who is turning 75, will undergo self-quarantine following exposure to government officials who had contact with persons who tested positive for COVID-19, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said.

“He will continue with his work while on quarantine,” Panelo said.

Duterte’s quarantine will last until April 7, his former aide Sen. Bong Go said.

“Gayunpaman, patuloy pa rin niyang tinututukan ang sitwasyon ng bansa at nagbibigay ng importanteng mga utos sa mga opisyal ng gobyerno,” Go said.

(The President continues to monitor the situation in the country and delivers instructions to government officials.)

Duterte, the oldest to be elected Philippine President, earlier tested negative for the virus, which is known to severely affect the elderly.

• Duterte tests negative for COVID-19

Panelo said the President wishes that Filipinos would heed the government’s order to stay at home so that the country could contain the COVID-19 spread.

“His only birthday wish is for our countrymen to stay home and the total eradication of the coronavirus,” Panelo said.

During his past birthdays, Duterte had shunned parties, even through his two-decade stint as Davao City mayor.

He previously said it was a family tradition to keep things simple on such occasions.

The Presidential Security Group also announced Friday that movement would be limited within the Malacañang complex to protect the country's seat of power from the COVID-19 pandemic.

• PSG to limit movement within Malacañang Complex