Palace claims Duterte able to give Filipinos “comfortable life” before COVID-19

July 23, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte was able to give the Filipinos "comfortable" life before the coronavirus disease pandemic, Malacañang said on Thursday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in the remaining two years of the Duterte administration, the government will work hard to bring back a comfortable life for the people.

"That's why we keep on saying how good the economy was before the COVID (pandemic) in order to show that the President has fulfilled his promise to give comfortable life for all," he said in a virtual press briefing.

 Roque noted that during the first three-and-a-half years of the President in office, hunger figures were low, economic growth was high, and the Philippines received favorable credit ratings.

"So, in my view, the President has fulfilled (his promise) for a more comfortable life for all, it was only delayed because of COVID," Roque said.

But he said Duterte has two more years in office.

"There are still two remaining years in the term (of the President) and we will be able to bring back more Filipinos to have comfortable life," the official added. Celerina Monte/DMS