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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Duterte assures the nation that he is in PH and well

Duterte assures the nation that he is in PH and well

Published Aug 17, 2020 09:43 pm

President Duterte has assured the nation that he has been staying in Davao City “all along” trying to avoid the coronavirus illness, contrary to rumors that he traveled abroad.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)

The President appeared in a Facebook video shared by his former aide and now Senator Christopher Go Monday night to debunk speculations about his supposed foreign trip last weekend. The short video clip was taken shortly before the President started a meeting with some Cabinet members on the government's pandemic response.

"Well as you can see clearly, I’ve been in Davao all along. Umiiwas tayo ng COVID (We're trying to avoid COVID). The admonition is wash your hands, wear a mask, cover your eyes and stay home. That’s what I did," the President said in his remarks.

"Andito po ako sa Davao. Huwag po kayong maniwala (I am in Davao. Do not believe )," said Duterte who wore a white mask as a precaution against the virus.

Go, in the same video, said the President is scheduled to meet with the government task force on pandemic response Monday. He also appealed anew to people against peddling fake news about the President, insisting Duterte remains focused on his work.

"Huwag po kayong mag-alaala, at sa mga nagpapakalat ng fake news, makonsyensya po kayo. Nagtatrabaho lang po ang ating Presidente, para sa bayan.  Seserbisyo po kami sa inyo, sa abot ng aming makakaya (Do not worry. To those spreading fake news, have a conscience. The President is just working for the nation. We will serve you to the best of our ability)," he said.

The senator earlier shared on Facebook a photo of the President while having dinner with his family in Davao City to dispel speculations about his supposed visit to Singapore for a medical emergency.

Malacañang has already declared the President has not traveled abroad and remains in the country supervising the government's efforts to fight the coronavirus. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque also said the President’s health  is “fine” and regularly undergoes coronavirus testing.

On Monday night, the President started his meeting with the Cabinet, most of whom were participating via Zoom video conference.

According to Presidential spokesman Harry Roque, Go and Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado are physically present in the President's meeting in Davao. Present in the Zoom meeting are Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, National COVID plan chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr., and Roque.

After the meeting, the President is expected to deliver a public address to announce the new quarantine classification of Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal.

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