By Argyll Geducos
President Duterte's common-law wife Honeylet Avanceña has advised the Chief Executive to avoid big crowds for now following the rise in the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
In a text message, Avanceña, a nurse, said there was no difficulty making the President take vitamins, but she still had a piece of advice for the Chief Executive.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and his common-law wife Honeylet Avanceña (KARL NORMAN ALONZO/Presidential Photo / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
"Madali siya painumin ng (It's easy to make him take) vitamins. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. So avoid big crowds muna (for now)," she said Monday evening.
The Presidential Security Group (PSG) started implementing on Monday the "no-touch" policy on President Duterte as a preventive measure to ensure his and his family's safety amid the COVID-19 threat.
Personalities expected to get near the President, especially during meetings and events, will be thoroughly screened and tested for any illness related to COVID-19. The policy also covers PSG personnel, politicians, and dignitaries.
"All established health protocols and preventive measures are continuously in effect on all PSG personnel and the whole Malacañang Complex," PSG commander Col. Jesus Durante III said.
"The PSG, together with members of Office of the President-Events Management Cluster, are observing these preventive measures, based on the guidelines set by the Department of Health (DOH)," he added.
In addition, Durante said large crowd gatherings with President Duterte as the guest of honor and speaker shall be assessed and could be canceled not only for his safety, but also for that of the attendees.