President Rodrigo R. Duterte stated that the Philippines is still in the first wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The Chief Executive reminded the public to take precautionary measures against the virus amid the gradual reopening of the country’s economy.
“We are still grappling with the first wave. So mga kababayan ko ginusto ko man. Ako mismo personal gusto ko nang lumabas. Ayaw ko nang magpapigil. Eh kung gusto ko nga makipag-away na ako. Ang problema is ‘yon ang gusto ko pero ang gusto ko hindi makapabuti sa ating lahat. (So my countrymen, even if I want to. Personally, I want to go out. I don’t want anyone to stop me. I even want to pick a fight. The problem is, what I want is not for the good of all.) And that is true for your choice and my choice. And so we have to be very circumspect in reopening of the economy.“
Meanwhile, the National Task Force Against COVID-19 Chief Implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. pointed out that even if the number of cases is increasing, the mortality rate is low. This is one of the factors they consider in deciding on the resumption of operations of several industries in the country.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque added that the government continues to strengthen the response against COVID-19. Report from Mela Lesmoras
