Duterte to deliver public message again today – Panelo

March 30, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to deliver again a public message later today as the country continues to address the coronavirus disease pandemic.


According to Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, Duterte will have a televised message "tentatively set at 4:0opm."


Asked of the possible content of the message, he said, "just watch the speech."


Duterte last made his taped televised message regarding COVID-19 on Tuesday, March 24.


Senate President Vicente Sotto III reportedly said that Duterte's message could be in relation to the powers granted to him by Congress in addressing the issues related to COVID-19.


Based on the newly-passed Republic Act No. 11469, otherwise known as the "Bayanihan to Heal As One Act," the President is mandated to submit to Congress during Monday of every week a weekly report of all acts performed pursuant to the law during the immediately preceding week.


The report shall likewise include the amount and corresponding utilization of the funds used, augmented, reprogrammed, reallocated and realigned pursuant to the new law.


RA 11469 granted Duterte the powers necessary and proper to carry out the implementation of national emergency in the country.


Duterte is under quarantine at Bahay Pagbabago, his official residence in Malacanang, after his exposure with some government officials who were tested positive for COVID-19. Celerina Monte/DMS