President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will deliver his weekly public address tonight, his spokesperson confirmed on Monday, amid public criticism of the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Alam niyo po, ang Presidente, walang iniisip kundi ‘yung mga problema ng bayan [The President has no other matters in mind except for the problems of the country],” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in his briefing earlier today.
“Alam naman natin na ang Presidente natin, 24 hours, 24/7 ang kanyang pag-iisip ay nasa bayan po [We know that our President is thinking about the nation 24/7],” Roque added.
The statement came after accusations that there were only “proof of life” posts regarding the President and none about “proof of work” amid the current crisis and the surge of COVID-19 cases.
The public address of the chief executive was called off last week due to rising number of COVID-19 cases among the personnel of the Presidential Security Group (PSG).
Meanwhile, Roque clarified that there is no special treatment given to him that granted him immediate admission to a hospital after he experienced COVID-19 symptoms.
“Ang aking assurance lang, sa administrasyon po ni Pangulong Duterte, lahat ng merong pangangailangang medikal, mabibigyan po ng tulong [My assurance is that all in need of medical attention will be given assistance under the administration of President Duterte],” he said.
In line with this, he added that they continue to serve their functions, including the implementation and monitoring of the modified enhanced community quarantine in the NCR Plus area until April 30.
MECQ rules
The government clarified that individuals below 18 years old and over 65 years old are not allowed to step out of their homes unless necessary. The age group may be eased to 15-year-olds. Curfew hours were also adjusted to 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
All means of public transportation will remain operational. Gathering protocols have also been eased to allow 10% to 30% venue capacity for religious activities.
Read more: NCR+ quarantine down to MECQ
Meanwhile, entertainment venues with live performers, amusement parks, gyms, spas, casinos, cockfighting, and other non-essential businesses are not yet allowed to operate. – Report from Mela Lesmoras/AG-jlo
