Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles defended President Duterte's declaration of a "state of calamity" Tuesday, Dec. 21 over the regions stricken by typhoon "Odette"--a move that was described as "late" by some.

Nograles, in a virtual press conference Wednesday, Dec. 22 said the Palace followed a three-step process prior to the declaration of the state of calamity in Regions IV-B, VI, VII, VIII, X and XIII.

Odette, the strongest typhoon to hit the country this year, made a total of nine landfalls, the first one of which occurred in Siargao on Thursday, Dec. 16. This meant that the affected regions had to contend with the effects of the pre-Christmas disaster for days before Duterte declared the state of calamity.

"As early as the situation briefing, we already apprised the local government units (LGUs) that they can, on their own--the provinces, can on their own declare a state of calamity," said Nograles, the acting presidential spokesperson.

The situation briefing being referred to by Nograles took place Friday, Dec. 17. Duterte would make rounds in the affected provinces that same weekend.

"Number two, we already have quick response funds in the budget that can be utilized, and which was in fact utilized, in our response efforts doon sa mga areas na tinamaan ng (in the areas that were hit by) typhoon Odette," the Palace official official said.

"Number three, fuller, more complete assessment of the extent of the damage of typhoon Odette was necessary for a--the basis, to lay the basis of the declaration of the state of calamity which the President did and sign yesterday, Dec. 21," he said.

"Those were the three steps that we implemented mindful, again, that all of these were set in place and set into motion according to what was needed," added Nograles.

As if to show urgency, Duterte signed the declaration on the state of calamity over the six regions on camera during his "Talk to the People" public briefing on Tuesday night.

Nograles provided more details of the President’s declaration during the presser. He said the declaration was contained in Proclamation No. 1267.

"The state of calamity shall remain in force and effect for one year unless sooner lifted in accordance with law," he said, reading document on air.

"Law enforcement agencies, with the support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), are hereby directed to undertake all necessary measures to ensure peace and order in affected areas, as may be necessary," the proclamation further read.