Typhoon Ulysses Updates: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte Press Briefing | November 12, 2020

As of November 12, 2020, 2:00 PM, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte addressed the nation through a recorded speech to assure the public that the government is aware of the impact of Typhoon Ulysses. Below are the highlights of the briefing:

• PRRD assured the public that the government is on top of the Typhoon Ulysses situation despite the heavy downpour and strong winds.
  • PRRD said that various government agencies have already been mobilized to respond to the situation on the ground.  All local government units and concerned agencies have been called to ensure the well-being and safety of the people.
• PRRD added that the government is doing its best to provide assistance in the form of shelters, relief goods, financial aid and post-disaster counseling.
• PRRD instructed the Coast Guard and the Air Force to use their respective vessels in providing assistance wherever needed, but have cautioned them to remain vigilant of the strong winds.
• PRRD responded to his critics who are claiming that he is not doing anything and said that he recently delivered the Philippine message at the 37th ASEAN Summit.
  • He added that he was advised that he is not allowed to go out as the authorities around him are working to preserve his life as he is the President of the country.
  • He was also advised that many officials are already on ground but there is only one President.
• PRRD shared that his main concern is the life and well-being of the people, and wants to go out to swim with them to help them during this time, but unfortunately, he is not allowed to do so.
  • He clarified that he is not distancing himself from the situation. In fact, he wants to be there in person, but authorities around him are preventing him as it risks his own life.
• PRRD explained further that he wants to help, be near the people, and share their grief and agony.
• PRRD ended his address by saying that he does not care if he contracts COVID-19. If he is able to survive it, he will simply share his experience.

EMERGENCY / RESCUE NUMBERS:

DOH Advisory

As of November 12, 2020, 4:00 PM, the Department of Health (DOH) reported a total of 402,820 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 1,407 of which are new cases, bringing the number of active cases to 32,682. There are 211 people who recovered from the disease, increasing the total number of recoveries to 362,417. However, 11 more died, increasing the local death toll to 7,721.

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