Duterte cancels 'Talk to the People' this week

President Rodrigo Duterte will not have his weekly address originally scheduled tonight, April 7, due to COVID-19 concerns according to Malacanang.

“The Palace confirms that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will not have a talk to the people address tonight, April 7, in light of the rising number of active COVID-19 cases,” said palace spokesman Harry Roque.

Roque did not elaborate on the specific risk that moved the cancellation.

“The physical safety of the President remains our utmost concern,” Roque said.

“In addition, the preparation for the talk to the people address entails a number of staff complement and we also take due consideration of their well-being,” Roque added.

Senator Bong Go said the address was cancelled “to avoid putting him at risk due to the reported COVID-19 cases in the PSG (Presidential Security Group). Even Secretary Lorenzana was also found positive of COVID-19 just yesterday.”

“However, there is nothing to worry about when it comes to PRRD’s health. Nasa mabuting kalagayan naman po ang Pangulo,” Go said.

Go added that he was also with the president earlier in the day, but he did not provide other details.

COVID-19 infections have been surging since last month, with the government largely blaming the increase to the entry of the more infectious coronavirus variants and the public’s reported low-compliance to minimum health standards.

Today, the Department of Health reported 6,414 new cases, 242 deaths, and 163 recoveries.

There are now 158,701 active cases in the country.