COVID-19 Updates: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte Press Briefing | October 27, 2020

October 27, 2020

As of October 27, 2020, 08:30 AM, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte addressed the nation through a recorded speech to provide updates on the COVID-19 situation. Below are the highlights of the briefing:

• PRRD started his speech with the corruption plaguing the government and reiterated that he will be using the remainder of his term to fight it.
  • He and his Cabinet Members can do something in their own capacity to come up with various initiatives to eradicate corruption and used the PhilHealth investigation as an example.
  • He also said that officials who resigned are not permitted to, especially if they have a pending case. PRRD said that they can still be summoned as they are still part of the government and cannot escape liabilities.
  • He renewed his call for a campaign against corruption and will look into every department or government agency, starting with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). However, PRRD said that he has nothing against DPWH Secretary Mark Villar.
• PRRD also recalled his mistake on the number of drug users in the country from 168 million to 1.68 million.
• PRRD asked Congress to fast track the establishment of an agency that is focused on Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and in maritime and the seafarers in consideration of international laws.
  • Because the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) focuses on a lot of things and OFWs are just one of them, PRRD is opting to have a separate for OFWs alone so there is a more thorough review of policies for their protection.
• For the upcoming celebration of All Souls’ Day, PRRD reminded the public of the prohibition of liquor and guns.
• PRRD touched on the vaccine and mentioned that one pharmaceutical company from China backed out from an ongoing conversation with the Philippines. PRRD reassured the Chinese government that the Philippines will pay and rallied for it to be done between the government of the two countries to avoid any corruption.
  • He told the Chinese government that they need not for private partners in the country and reiterated that it can be handled by the Philippine government.
  • PRRD shared that he turned to Russia and China for a vaccine because of his sense of urgency, but all options are being considered and will give the country the best interest.
• PRRD mentioned that the funds allotted for the public should be used and implemented by the Task Force.
  • He expressed his frustration on the delays of the distribution of assistance and harped on the imperativeness of its provision to the public because it is an urgent need for it.
  • He asked the government agencies to simplify the development of assistance proposals so funds can be given to the public without delay.
• PRRD asked his critics who tirelessly accuse him of corruption to look for any proof of their claims and when they do, he will resign.
  • He also defended Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, saying that he has no grounds to dismiss him as he sees no fault in him and he is not even part of PhilHealth.
  • He also recalled his experience as a lawyer and a mayor of Davao and said that he was never involved in any drug syndicate.
• PRRD shared his memorandum tasking the Department of Justice to investigate all allegations of corruption in the entire government. The DOJ will have the authority to decide which allegation to investigate, create as many panels to adequately investigate, and prosecute and file necessary charges for those involved in the anomalies.
  • The existing powers of the DOJ will not be diminished by PRRD’s new directive, which will remain in effect until June 30, 2022, when his term formally ends.
• PPRD then shared the updated community quarantine classifications from November 1-30, 2020.
  • General Community Quarantine
    • National Capital Region (NCR)
    • Batangas
    • Iloilo City
    • Bacolod City
    • Tacloban City
    • Iligan City
    • Lanao Del Sur
  • PRRD added that the proposed classifications are still subject to the discretion of local government units.
• PRRD reminded the public that the government’s priority is not to let people suffer, but to control the pandemic and protect the public.
• PRRD said that not everyone is able to attend his Cabinet meeting due to the ongoing typhoon. Thus, he is only joined by Senator Bong Go and Presidential Adviser on Peace Process and National Task Force COVID-19 Chief Implementer Carlito Galvez, Jr.
• PRRD ended his speech wishing for the Filipino people to have a safe celebration of All Souls’ Day and for them to follow the safety rules and regulations.

DOH Advisory

As of October 26, 2020, 4:00 PM, the Department of Health (DOH) reported a total of 371,630 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 1,607 of which are new cases, bringing the number of active cases to 36,333. There are 245 people who recovered from the diseases, increasing the total number of recoveries to 328,258. However, 62 more died, increasing the local death toll to 7,038.

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