Here's a recap of what President Rodrigo Duterte said in his weekly speech to the nation. This one was delivered on Wednesday, Dec. 16.
- President Duterte talks about COVID-19, says "we have suffered enough and to suffer more is not acceptable anymore."
- Duterte asks Filipinos to follow health protocols to prevent the spread of the virus.
- Duterte says COVID-19 is a "very lethal thing."
- Health Sec. Francisco Duque III says hospitals will be asked to ensure that there are enough beds for COVID-19 cases in preparation for the likely spike of infections this Christmas.
- Duque reminds the public to avoid crowded places, buffets, karaoke bars for the holidays.
- Duque says the use of trumpets is discouraged to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
- Transportation Sec. Arthur Tugade says he ordered the study of the removal of barriers in toll gates in expressways since cashless toll collection has been implemented.
- Tugade apologizes to motorists, LGUs over RFID woes.
- Duterte calls members of the toll regulatory board (TRB) "incompetent" as he discussed problems with RFID implementation.
- Duterte says he cannot accept the "incompetence" of the TRB; says government is getting the blame for their shortcomings.
- Duterte says incompetent officials and workers in government should resign and not wait to get fired.
- Duterte calls former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV "a shit of a dog."
- COVID-19 vaccination czar Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. says he expects immunization in the Philippines to start in March at the earliest.
- Executive Sec. Salvador Medialdea asks critics to wait for the government's COVID-19 immunization program.
- Duterte asks the public to refrain from partying this Christmas, he tells the people to "make it a sacrifice."
