Amid concerns on the next community quarantine classification in Metro Manila, Malacañang on Thursday explained that the COVID-19 case doubling time, which is one factor in imposing quarantine, has slowed down.
Data showed that the case doubling time on August 26 has been prolonged to 9.87 days from the 6.26 days in June 1 and 1.55 days in March 15. Although a slowdown has been recorded, no decision has yet been made on the quarantine type to be imposed four days from now.
“That will be a decision by the IATF, for which I cannot preempt… The case doubling rate has to be 20+ days before we can hit MGCQ,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque enlightened.
Regarding the edited version of President Rodrigo Duterte’s public addresses which have been questioned, Roque justified that they “are editing it because it’s not just an address to the nation.” It is “also a meeting with select members of the Cabinet.”
“And we edit out the portions which are not for public consumption,” Roque continued.
Meanwhile, Roque also responded to the comparison of netizens between the addresses of President Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo.
“Napakahirap magkomento sa bagay na nakita lang natin sa social media. Kasi hindi po basehan talaga iyan kung sino talaga ang pinaniwalaan ng taumbayan (It’s very hard to comment on matters we only see on social media. It is not the basis of who the public trusts),” he pointed out.
“Ang Presidente, hindi naman po pinupulaan si VP Leni. Kinikilala niya, kinilala niya iyong mga tulong na ginawa ni VP Leni. Ang pakiusap lang ni Presidente, magkaisa po sa panahon ng pandemya. Isantabi muna ang pulitika (The President is not against VP Leni. He gives her due recognition and to her contributions. The President’s plea is to unite in this time of pandemic. Set aside politics),” he added.
– Report from Mela Lesmoras
