What Duterte Said in His Weekly Speech (Feb. 15)

Here's a recap of what President Rodrigo Duterte said in his weekly speech to the nation. This one was delivered on Monday, Feb. 15.

• FDA Director General Eric Domingo briefs President Duterte on the process of granting of emergency use authorization to COVID-19 vaccines.
• CONTEXT: How COVID Vaccines Get Fast-Tracked for Emergency Use 
• Duterte asks COVID-19 vaccine czar Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. if the government has enough storage facilities for arriving vaccines.
• Galvez says the government will tap third-party providers for storage of COVID-19 vaccines.
• CONTEXT: Vaccine Update: PH 'Cold Chain' Can Store, Transport Shots 
• Galvez says the Executive is seeking Congress' approval of an indemnification bill for people who will experience adverse effects from COVID-19 vaccine use.
• Duterte names dismissed government officials due to various misdeeds.
• Duterte tells Filipinos: "We are really in the process of working towards the realization of our vaccine program."
• Acting Socioeconomic Planning Sec. Karl Chua says the entire Philippines should shift to modified general community quarantine by March to address hunger, income loss, and poverty.
• Chua also calls for the expansion of transport services and to further ease age-based mobility restrictions to spur economic activity.
• STORY: Time for Nationwide MGCQ in March, NEDA Chief Chua Tells Duterte 
• Duterte criticizes Vice President Leni Robredo after the latter said the chief executive's remarks on the visiting forces agreement with the United States is like "extortion."
• Duterte to Robredo: "Ma'am kung ikaw ang presidente tapos hindi mo alam ang trabaho mo, eh dapat alam mo yan dahil abogado ka."
• Duterte to Robredo: "You really are not qualified to run for president."
• Duterte to Robredo: "If by unfortunate chance you become the president, please study more. I think that you need a refresher course sa law. That is my advice to you."
• Duterte says the VFA may or may not be extended depending on how American forces "behave."
• STORY: Duterte Says Robredo 'Not Qualified' for Presidency