Below are the highlights of President Rodrigo Duterte’s address to the nation on Monday night, August 10.
- He said the public should follow quarantine measures for their own sake.
- He expressed his dilemma on the doctors’ plea to extend the lockdown, but the people need to go out to work.
- Duterte told doctors he could no longer restrain the public from going out because he has no money to give to them.
- “I’m telling the doctors… I want to give in to your demand. I want it because I don’t want the contamination to continue…kailangan ko rin bitawan,” Duterte said.
- He assured the government is doing everything to eliminate COVID.
- The President said he was so happy that the country’s “friend” Russia would give the Philippines COVID-19 vaccines. “Wala naman sila sinabing bayaran mo [they did not say that we need to pay for it]. Tingin ko kay President Putin, tulong nila sa atin [I think President Putin is our help],” Duterte said.
- Duterte said he trusts on the vaccine being developed by Russia. He said if it works for him, then it would work for everyone.
- The President hopes there will be a COVID-19 vaccine by December.
- Duterte thanks Russia for its willingness to help the country in the field of health, adding the Philippines and Russia would remain friends forever.
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President Duterte’s address to the nation
- Duterte hopes for a “COVID-free December” in the Philippines.
- He assured the police have his full support.
- Duterte on COVID-19 vaccine: “Sa ating kababayan, hintay ka lang, andiyan na yan. Pagdating niyan, ako mauuna [Just wait. When it comes, I’ll be the first to have it.]”
- Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on telco permits: 1,930 applications filed, 1,502 approved, 428 still pending.
- Año added criminal complaints filed against 50 barangay captains tagged in corruption.
- Duterte on corrupt officials: “‘Yung mga nahuli talagang magdusa kayo. Sinabi ko sa inyo, I’ve never been serious as I can ever be in my life. Huwag kayong magkamali talaga. Hahabulin ko kayo hanggang preso… Huminto kayo at huwag niyo pahirapan ang mga Filipino.”
- The President said he would go after corrupt officials in PhilHealth. He added those innocent should just continue working.