President Duterte on Tuesday warned local officials to strictly follow the national government orders in addressing the threat of the coronavirus or face charges of nonfeasance.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte, at the 46th Cabinet meeting, stressed the importance of preparedness in containing the spread of the virus after the Department of Health announced that they are monitoring the possible third case of the coronavirus in the country.
“The President commented that the Filipino public must observe the protocols and rules designed to combat the virus,” he said yesterday.
“The Chief Executive then noted that officials on the ground, particularly barangay captains, should act in accordance with the tempo dictated by the national government or face charges for nonfeasance,” he added.
Duterte ordered the Presidential Communications Operations Office to spend more time in informing the public of the health advisories and guidelines laid out by health experts, saying the public will be safe from the virus if they will observe preventive measures.
Duterte expressed concern about the welfare of Filipinos flying from China, Hong Kong, and Macau to the Philippines after it was reported that the first batch of repatriated Filipinos from China will arrive in the country on Saturday.
“(Health Secretary Francisco Duque III) reported that they are now preparing Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija as a quarantine area, which can accommodate 10,000 individuals…The President instructed the Health Secretary to go to the site to properly address the people affected in detail,” he said.
Duque assured Duterte that all safeguards are in place in order to contain the virus. He requested the help of various departments like and even the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to prevent the spread of the virus in the country. (Argyll Geducos)
