President Duterte asked for the public's patience and understanding amid the slow coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines rollout in the country, saying the government is doing its best to get the vaccines.
Duterte made the statement as the country logged a record-high 10,016 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, bringing the total number of infections to 731,894.
In his taped weekly address, President Duterte explained that there was an ongoing worldwide tension regarding the COVID-19 vaccine that hinders the Philippines from getting vaccines.
He asked the people to stretch their patience as the government strives to procure more shots, especially since the Philippines is not a vaccine-producing country.
"We are really doing our very best--the best of the best of our talent--in getting the vaccine anywhere para menos-menos ang hawaan (so we can bring down the infections)," Duterte said.
"We have to understand government. Allow a certain... medyo (somehow) stretch your patience and understanding. We're not a vaccine-producing country. Wala tayong (We don't have the) expertise--medical, scientific knowledge--so naghihintay tayo (that's why we are waiting)," he added.
The President admitted that the latest move to place the Greater Manila Area under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) meant that the country is "back to zero" but said he would be the last person to make Filipinos suffer.
"If only I had the power... Kung nandiyan lang sa akin yung poder na, like a magic wand na maalis na agad itong problema natin, maniwala, gagawin ko (If I have something like a magic wand that would immediately remove our problem, believe me, I will do it)," he said.
Duterte likewise confessed that he was already having a hard time dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I am having a hard time. I'm grappling with the issue of COVID... It's the COVID that is taking most of my time looking for ways and kung ano ang nangyayari doon sa labas kung saan tayo makakuha (with what's happening outside the country and where else can we get vaccines)," he said.
"Gusto ko na nga umiyak sa harap ninyo pero naubos na luha ko (I just want to cry in front of your but I'm out of tears already)," he added.
"Kung alam lang ninyo, para akong dumadaan ng purgatoryo ngayon hanggang 'di natutulungan lahat ng Filipino (If only you knew. I feel like I'm in purgatory because I'm unable to help all Filipinos)," he continued.
The country launched the vaccination program on March 1 with health workers as the top priority. So far, 656,331 individuals have been vaccinated.
The government recently approved the simultaneous vaccination of the A1 group and A2 and A3 for the quick substitution list. A1 are consisted of health workers while A2 and A3 are composed of senior citizens and persons with comorbidities, respectively.