MANILA - The youngest sister of former president Benigno Aquino III has expressed her support for the country's new leader, President Rodrigo Duterte.

Kris Aquino gave the "thumbs up" when asked by actress Marian Rivera about Duterte during her morning show on Friday.

Explaining her answer, Aquino said: "I think we live in a democracy and siya ang pinili ng tao. In the same way na not everybody voted for Noy in 2010, but a lot of people gave him a chance."

"So tayo, bilang taxpayers at citizens, dapat suportahan natin kasi kung hindi natin susuportahan, ang bansa rin natin ang magsa-suffer," she added.

Aquino made a guest appearance on Rivera's morning show as her way of showing gratitude to the actress and her husband, actor Dingdong Dantes, for campaigning for Vice President Leni Robredo.

Lighthearted moment kasama ng aking mga inaanak. Thank you @dongdantes & @therealmarian for the super pretty flowers & my favorite candle. Thank you for continuing to inspire me to love & be loved.

A photo posted by Kris Aquino 🇵🇭 (@kriscaquino) on Jun 29, 2016 at 3:19am PDT

Prior to her guesting, Aquino enjoyed a long break with her two sons, Joshua and Bimby, in Hawaii.

(Kris Aquino back in PH after two-month break)

Aquino has been on a hiatus from showbiz since March 2016, citing health concerns.