Here's a recap of what President Rodrigo Duterte said in his weekly speech to the nation. This one was delivered on Monday, March 8.
- Duterte says Vice President Leni Robredo did a "disservice" to the people with her criticism of the government's handling and procurement of COVID-19 vaccines.
- Duterte tells Robredo: "Ma'am hindi ako mapikon." The vice president earlier said the President's criticism made him appear "sobrang pikon."
- Duterte tells Robredo to read the law and take salient points.
- CONTEXT: Duterte Accuses Robredo of Insinuating He Got Vaccinated Ahead
- Duterte says spike in COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila due to non-compliance with health protocols such as physical distancing. He also highlights the importance of wearing face masks.
- READ: COVID Hospitalizations Rising, Consider Double Mask, Says DOH
- Duterte tells Robredo: "You are dwelling on half-truths."
- Duterte tells Robredo: "Hindi ako pikon. Galit ako." He noted that his feeling was more of "irritation."
- Health Sec. Francisco Duque III says there are increases in COVID-19 cases in the Southern Tagalog Region, Central Luzon, Central Visayas, and Metro Manila.
- Duque says "critical areas" in terms of healthcare utilization in Metro Manila are Pasay City, and Malabon City. The cities of Navotas, Makati, and San Juan are meanwhile classified under "high-risk" areas.
- Duque says health authorities are continuously monitoring variants of concern of the virus that causes COVID-19.
- Duque says there is a need to intensify contact tracing efforts at the local level.
- Vaccine czar Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. says confidence in Sinovac jabs has increased among Filipinos.
- READ: Sinovac Efficacy is Being Questioned, What Does Data Say?
- Galvez says the Philippines now has 1,125,600 doses of COVID-19 vaccines. The jabs are from China's Sinovac and UK's AstraZeneca.
- Galvez says the Philippines could receive around 20 million COVID-19 vaccines between April to July.
- READ: Filipino Public Can Get COVID-19 Vaccines Likely by April, Says Galvez
- Duterte reminds Filipinos to wear face masks, face shields, and to avoid touching their faces as precautionary measures against the virus.
