Malacaῆang has belied criticisms that President Rodrigo Duterte downplayed the COVID-19 threat in the beginning.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the situation is evolving and the Chief Executive merely heeded the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).
“Nung mga araw ng Pebrero, ang World Health Organization ay nagbigay ng mga advisory sa atin na huwag tayong mangamba dahil hindi pa pandemic. Meron din silang advisory na hindi daw tayo kailangang magsuot ng surgical mask kung wala naman tayong ubo, lagnat, sipon, hindi kailangan. Subalit ngayon, mandatory na. Sa madaling sabi, depende po kasi sa sitwasyon. (Last February, they had an advisory that we don’t have to feel fear as it was not yet a pandemic. They also had an advisory that we don’t need to wear surgical masks if we do not have cough, fever, and flu. But now, it’s mandatory. In short, it depends on the situation),” Panelo said.
Meanwhile, Panelo disclosed President Duterte has decided to cancel his trip to Davao and will continue to monitor the situation from his official residence at the Palace this Holy Week.
Panelo added that the Chief Executive is healthy, and that the public has nothing to worry about.
He also relayed President Duterte’s call to the public to stay home and to pray this Lenten season for guidance, wisdom, and ways to the address COVID-19. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
