MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte is "delighted" that his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is expecting triplets.

In a statement released to media, the 71-year-old chief executive said he is "hopeful that she will be able to see through the pregnancy smoothly and well."

The Palace said Sarah's pregnancy "serves as a source of inspiration for him [Duterte] to roll up his sleeves and work double time in his fight against crime and the illegal drug trade, as he hopes to leave a legacy of safety to future generations."

"We offer our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Mayor and her husband," said a text message sent by Communications Secretary Martin Andanar.

Sara, married to Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales' nephew lawyer Manases Carpio, is seven weeks pregnant. She reassured Davaoeños that she will continue to work while her doctors allow her to do so.

However, she has been told to avoid crowded places to lessen the chances of acquiring infections, which is why she missed Davao City’s ongoing Kadayawan festivities.

READ: Sara Duterte pregnant with triplets

GROWING CLAN

Sara is Duterte's only daughter born of his marriage to Elizabeth Zimmerman. The marriage was annulled in 2000.

Sara has two brothers, Paolo and Sebastian, and a younger half-sister, Veronica, Duterte's child by partner Honeylet Avancena.

Once the Davao mayor's babies are born, the president will have a total of 11 biological grandchildren.

Sara already has two children—daughter Sharky, 7; and Stingray, 3.

Paolo, meanwhile, has five children—Omar, 22; Rodrigo, 18; Isabelle, 14; Sabina, 10; and Paolo, 3.

Sebastian, better known as "Baste," has two kids—Yair, 2; and a daughter with a previous girlfriend.