Duterte salutes COVID-19 frontliners
Published Mar 24, 2020 12:00 am
By Genalyn Kabiling, Franco Regala, and Mario Casayuran
President Duterte has thanked the "courageous" frontliners in the war against the coronavirus outbreak, particularly saluting the fallen doctors as "heroes."
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (RICHARD MADELO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)
In a taped public address aired on government television late Tuesday night, the President expressed his gratitude to the health workers, soldiers, policemen, government personnel, donors, volunteers, and other people working in the front lines amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“Let me reiterate my sincerest gratitude to all our courageous frontliners in this war, especially our health workers, our doctors, nurses other allied medical professional. Maraming, maraming salamat. Asahan ninyo ang supporta ng inyong gobyerno (Thank you very much. Rest assured the government will support you),” Duterte said.
The President also expressed sadness over the death of some doctors from the coronavirus infection, saying he commends them for their service in line of duty.
“I am saddened by the news that the virus has claimed the lives of our doctors along the way. Lahat po sila ay bayani and not only that, talagang bumilib ako (They are all heroes and not only that, I am really impressed),” he said.
“Bihira akong sumasaludo ng tao pero ‘pag mga doktor natin, mga health workers na nadisgrasya, tala - gang saludo ako sa inyo. Wala na kayo dito sa mundong ito pero ganun na lang ang pagtingin ko sa inyo (I sel - dom salute a person but to our fallen doctors, health workers, I salute all of you. You may be gone but I look up to you),” he added.
In the same address, the President is grateful for the “brave” soldiers and policemen for ensuring peace and order in these trying times. He likewise recognized the officials and staff of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging and Infectious Diseases “for staying on top of this situation.”
“I also thank the rest of the frontliners who ensure that basic services are provided to our people, from those manning various government agencies, groceries, banks, food establish - ments, and delivery services, among others. Maraming, maraming salamat po,” he said.
Duterte also expressed gratitude to the “gracious” members of the private sector for foregoing profit to alleviate the suffering of our people.
“To the valiant volunteers who are bravely supplementing our frontlin - ers; to the noble civil society organizations who are working tire - lessly in calling for donations and performing charity work – Thank you very much for your kindness, compas - sion and generosity,” he added.
The President issued the latest statement a week after Luzon was placed on enhanced community quarantine to stem the sharp rise of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections. He assured the nation the government would continue to ad - dress the coronavirus emergency to ensure their safety and protection.
“It has been a week since we called for community quarantine and its enhanced form in Metro Manila and various parts of Luzon. We in government continue to respond to the public’s needs, mobilize resources and oversee developments. We are also addressing the COVID-19 pandemic challenges confronting our nation,” he said.
As the fight against COVID-19 continues, President Duterte appealed to public servants to set aside differ - ences and work together to fight this “common enemy.”
The President said he expects government officials and employees to practice integrity, accountability, and responsive - ness in address - ing the coronavi - rus emergency.
The country is currently under a state of public health emergency and a state of ca - lamity to mobilize government re - sources to effec - tively contain and stop the spread of the coronavirus. Cases of corona - virus have been rising daily in the country.
“To my fellow public servants, let us set aside our differences and work in solidarity to overcome this pandemic. We only have one common enemy and that is COVID-19,” he said the same public address Tuesday night.
“Our transparency, integrity, accountability, and responsive - ness are needed and I expect all of you to exercise all these in safeguarding our fellow Filipinos,” he added.
The President had earlier announced that the government has laid down a “National Action Plan” (NAP) on efforts to address the coronavirus emergency.
He said the Department of Na - tional Defense and the Department of the Interior and Local Govern - ment, along with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police are “now ramping up” the implementation of NAP to reinforce the efforts of the Depart - ment of Health in containing the coronavirus.
“We in government continue to respond to the public’s needs, mobilize resources, and oversee developments. We are also addressing the COVID-19 pandemic challenges confronting our nation,” he added.
He appealed for patience and co - operation amid the strict quarantine regulations to battle the coronavirus.
“I ask the entire country for your patience, understanding, and utmost cooperation. With your support, I am confident that we will emerge trium - phant. Nothing is more formidable and resilient than the Filipino spirit,” he said.
Pampanga doctor succumbs to COVID-19
As this developed, a former doc - tor-to-the-barrios who served as the provincial health officer of Pampanga died Tuesday evening due to COVID-19.
The death of Dr. Marcelo Jaochico was posted on Facebook by his daughter Cielo. It was also confirmed by the Pampanga Public Information Office ((PIO) head, Joel Mapiles.
In her post, Cielo appealed to the readers to remember her father not as someone who succumbed to the dreaded disease but one who had done so much for the province and for the country.
“When you speak of him, please speak only of good words. Please do not remember him as someone who just died because of COVID-19. Sobrang dami niyang ginawa para sa bayan. Please pray for his soul. Please pray for the souls of those who are still fighting,” she said.
She honored her father’s dedication to serve the province risking even his life to COVID-19.
“Dad, we didn’t even get to hug each other for the final time. Uuwi ka ritong nasa kabaong na. Ang sakit, Daddy. Deserve mo magkaroon ng lamay at ng libing where all of your loved ones are there. Daddy, mahal na mahal ka namin,” she said.
2 more Filipinos die overseas
Overseas, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported on Wednesday that two Filipinos have died abroad due to COVID-19 infection.
In the latest DFA fact sheet sent to reporters, the two fatalities were from the Asia-Pacific region and Europe.
As of March 24, 2020, the DFA said there were a total of 169 Filipinos who are confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide – 111 cases are from the Asia-Pacific region, 20 in the Americas, 20 in Europe, and 18 in the Middle East.
Of the 169 Filipinos who tested positive, 90 of them have recovered and have been discharged from various hospitals and health facilities abroad.
The COVID-19 positive Filipinos are deployed in at least 25 countries and regions.
One of those who died recently was a Florida-based Filipina who succumbed to COVID-19 while on vacation in Los Angeles, California more than 10 days ago. She was the first coronavirus fatality in Los Angeles.
Prior to her death, reports indicated that the Filipina, together with her Filipino husband, traveled to Thailand and the Philippines following their retirement.
The couple reportedly had a long layover in South Korea before arriving in Los Angeles on March 8 to visit a relative.
Pimentel positive for COVID-19
Pimentel positive for COVID-19 Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, meanwhile, said that he has been tested positive for COVID-19.
“I was informed late last night, March 24, 2020, that I have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The swab was taken last Friday, March 20, 2020,” Pimentel said in a Viber message to Senate reporters.
“Since the last day of session March 11, 2020 I had already tried my best to limit my movement. I will call (to the best of my ability) those I remember meeting during those crucial days so that I can inform them of my test result.
“I have quarantined myself upon the doctor’s advice and consistent with the protocol. I feel I am, with God’s help, on the way to recovery.
“I would like to ask for your prayers, especially for my wife Kath, who is about to give birth in the next few days to our first baby girl, and with whom I cannot be at this very important point in our lives as parents.
“I want to express again my profound gratitude to our frontline medical workers throughout the country, who are putting their lives at risk on a daily basis to bring a halt to this pandemic. They are the true heroes in this fight.
“I also urge all of us to observe the social distancing, enhanced community quarantine measures, washing of hands and personal hygiene being implemented because they are the best strategies to beat this disease at this time. I have faith that together we can overcome these challenging times,” Pimentel said.
Fake news peddlers face fine of up to P1M
Meanwhile, people who spread false information about the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on social media may be slapped with a fine of up to P1 million or a jail time of two months, under the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act” recently signed by President Duterte.
The law, which would take effect immediately after publi - cation, grants the President the “necessary and proper” authority over government funds to implement policies addressing the COVID-19 outbreak and its impacts. ( With reports from Roy C. Mabasa and Vanne P. Terrazola)
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (RICHARD MADELO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)
In a taped public address aired on government television late Tuesday night, the President expressed his gratitude to the health workers, soldiers, policemen, government personnel, donors, volunteers, and other people working in the front lines amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“Let me reiterate my sincerest gratitude to all our courageous frontliners in this war, especially our health workers, our doctors, nurses other allied medical professional. Maraming, maraming salamat. Asahan ninyo ang supporta ng inyong gobyerno (Thank you very much. Rest assured the government will support you),” Duterte said.
The President also expressed sadness over the death of some doctors from the coronavirus infection, saying he commends them for their service in line of duty.
“I am saddened by the news that the virus has claimed the lives of our doctors along the way. Lahat po sila ay bayani and not only that, talagang bumilib ako (They are all heroes and not only that, I am really impressed),” he said.
“Bihira akong sumasaludo ng tao pero ‘pag mga doktor natin, mga health workers na nadisgrasya, tala - gang saludo ako sa inyo. Wala na kayo dito sa mundong ito pero ganun na lang ang pagtingin ko sa inyo (I sel - dom salute a person but to our fallen doctors, health workers, I salute all of you. You may be gone but I look up to you),” he added.
In the same address, the President is grateful for the “brave” soldiers and policemen for ensuring peace and order in these trying times. He likewise recognized the officials and staff of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging and Infectious Diseases “for staying on top of this situation.”
“I also thank the rest of the frontliners who ensure that basic services are provided to our people, from those manning various government agencies, groceries, banks, food establish - ments, and delivery services, among others. Maraming, maraming salamat po,” he said.
Duterte also expressed gratitude to the “gracious” members of the private sector for foregoing profit to alleviate the suffering of our people.
“To the valiant volunteers who are bravely supplementing our frontlin - ers; to the noble civil society organizations who are working tire - lessly in calling for donations and performing charity work – Thank you very much for your kindness, compas - sion and generosity,” he added.
The President issued the latest statement a week after Luzon was placed on enhanced community quarantine to stem the sharp rise of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections. He assured the nation the government would continue to ad - dress the coronavirus emergency to ensure their safety and protection.
“It has been a week since we called for community quarantine and its enhanced form in Metro Manila and various parts of Luzon. We in government continue to respond to the public’s needs, mobilize resources and oversee developments. We are also addressing the COVID-19 pandemic challenges confronting our nation,” he said.
As the fight against COVID-19 continues, President Duterte appealed to public servants to set aside differ - ences and work together to fight this “common enemy.”
The President said he expects government officials and employees to practice integrity, accountability, and responsive - ness in address - ing the coronavi - rus emergency.
The country is currently under a state of public health emergency and a state of ca - lamity to mobilize government re - sources to effec - tively contain and stop the spread of the coronavirus. Cases of corona - virus have been rising daily in the country.
“To my fellow public servants, let us set aside our differences and work in solidarity to overcome this pandemic. We only have one common enemy and that is COVID-19,” he said the same public address Tuesday night.
“Our transparency, integrity, accountability, and responsive - ness are needed and I expect all of you to exercise all these in safeguarding our fellow Filipinos,” he added.
The President had earlier announced that the government has laid down a “National Action Plan” (NAP) on efforts to address the coronavirus emergency.
He said the Department of Na - tional Defense and the Department of the Interior and Local Govern - ment, along with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police are “now ramping up” the implementation of NAP to reinforce the efforts of the Depart - ment of Health in containing the coronavirus.
“We in government continue to respond to the public’s needs, mobilize resources, and oversee developments. We are also addressing the COVID-19 pandemic challenges confronting our nation,” he added.
He appealed for patience and co - operation amid the strict quarantine regulations to battle the coronavirus.
“I ask the entire country for your patience, understanding, and utmost cooperation. With your support, I am confident that we will emerge trium - phant. Nothing is more formidable and resilient than the Filipino spirit,” he said.
Pampanga doctor succumbs to COVID-19
As this developed, a former doc - tor-to-the-barrios who served as the provincial health officer of Pampanga died Tuesday evening due to COVID-19.
The death of Dr. Marcelo Jaochico was posted on Facebook by his daughter Cielo. It was also confirmed by the Pampanga Public Information Office ((PIO) head, Joel Mapiles.
In her post, Cielo appealed to the readers to remember her father not as someone who succumbed to the dreaded disease but one who had done so much for the province and for the country.
“When you speak of him, please speak only of good words. Please do not remember him as someone who just died because of COVID-19. Sobrang dami niyang ginawa para sa bayan. Please pray for his soul. Please pray for the souls of those who are still fighting,” she said.
She honored her father’s dedication to serve the province risking even his life to COVID-19.
“Dad, we didn’t even get to hug each other for the final time. Uuwi ka ritong nasa kabaong na. Ang sakit, Daddy. Deserve mo magkaroon ng lamay at ng libing where all of your loved ones are there. Daddy, mahal na mahal ka namin,” she said.
2 more Filipinos die overseas
Overseas, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported on Wednesday that two Filipinos have died abroad due to COVID-19 infection.
In the latest DFA fact sheet sent to reporters, the two fatalities were from the Asia-Pacific region and Europe.
As of March 24, 2020, the DFA said there were a total of 169 Filipinos who are confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide – 111 cases are from the Asia-Pacific region, 20 in the Americas, 20 in Europe, and 18 in the Middle East.
Of the 169 Filipinos who tested positive, 90 of them have recovered and have been discharged from various hospitals and health facilities abroad.
The COVID-19 positive Filipinos are deployed in at least 25 countries and regions.
One of those who died recently was a Florida-based Filipina who succumbed to COVID-19 while on vacation in Los Angeles, California more than 10 days ago. She was the first coronavirus fatality in Los Angeles.
Prior to her death, reports indicated that the Filipina, together with her Filipino husband, traveled to Thailand and the Philippines following their retirement.
The couple reportedly had a long layover in South Korea before arriving in Los Angeles on March 8 to visit a relative.
Pimentel positive for COVID-19
Pimentel positive for COVID-19 Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, meanwhile, said that he has been tested positive for COVID-19.
“I was informed late last night, March 24, 2020, that I have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The swab was taken last Friday, March 20, 2020,” Pimentel said in a Viber message to Senate reporters.
“Since the last day of session March 11, 2020 I had already tried my best to limit my movement. I will call (to the best of my ability) those I remember meeting during those crucial days so that I can inform them of my test result.
“I have quarantined myself upon the doctor’s advice and consistent with the protocol. I feel I am, with God’s help, on the way to recovery.
“I would like to ask for your prayers, especially for my wife Kath, who is about to give birth in the next few days to our first baby girl, and with whom I cannot be at this very important point in our lives as parents.
“I want to express again my profound gratitude to our frontline medical workers throughout the country, who are putting their lives at risk on a daily basis to bring a halt to this pandemic. They are the true heroes in this fight.
“I also urge all of us to observe the social distancing, enhanced community quarantine measures, washing of hands and personal hygiene being implemented because they are the best strategies to beat this disease at this time. I have faith that together we can overcome these challenging times,” Pimentel said.
Fake news peddlers face fine of up to P1M
Meanwhile, people who spread false information about the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on social media may be slapped with a fine of up to P1 million or a jail time of two months, under the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act” recently signed by President Duterte.
The law, which would take effect immediately after publi - cation, grants the President the “necessary and proper” authority over government funds to implement policies addressing the COVID-19 outbreak and its impacts. ( With reports from Roy C. Mabasa and Vanne P. Terrazola)