President Duterte stressed anew the importance of getting vaccinated against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), saying those "fools" who refused to get the shot should just stay at home so they cannot infect others.
Duterte made the statement as he raised concern over the report of the local transmission of the Delta variant in the Philippines.
In his pre-recorded public address late Monday, July 19, the President reiterated that vaccines are the solution to the pandemic.
"Vaccines lang ito talaga (Vaccines are really the answer)," he said.
"The importance of vaccines, you must get the vaccine or you die. Ilang beses na 'yang sinasabi (We've been saying that), many times," he added.
He, however, cited a recent Pulse Asia survey which showed that only 43 percent of its respondents were willing to get the vaccine. According to the President, those who did not want to take the shot were fools.
"Itong mga buang na ito (These fools), they not only endanger themselves and their family, but everybody they come in contact with," Duterte said.
"Everything they touch or hold, mag-iwan sila ng virus (they leave the virus there)," he added.
Duterte said those who continue to doubt or refuse the COVID-19 vaccines should stay at home instead.
"Kung ayaw talaga ninyo maniwala, 'wag na lang kayo lumabas ng bahay para wala kayo mahawa (If you don't really want to believe, then just don't leave your house so you won't be able to infect others)," he said.
"You are anti-social because, in the face of the danger confronting you and knowing fully well that it is really dangerous, you choose the path of resistance," he added.
Meanwhile, the President urged health workers to intensify their vaccine information and education campaign to boost the public's confidence in the shots.
Last month, President Duterte threatened to order the arrest of the anti-vaxxers or people who refuse to get vaccinated against the coronavirus.
"I will order their arrest sa totoo lang. Why? Because if you are a person na hindi ka vaccinated, you are a potential carrier. To protect the people, I have to sequester you in jail," he said.
"Mamili kayo: Magpabakuna kayo o ipakulong ko kayo sa selda (Choose: Get vaccinated or I’ll put you in jail)," he added.
The President has also admitted that he was "exasperated" with some Filipinos who refused to heed the government’s plea for vaccination. He said the government has no other goal but to ensure the safety and health of the people.
As of July 18, a total of 15,096,261 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered with 4,708,073 individuals completing their two shots.