What Duterte Said in His Weekly Speech (Dec. 16)

Here's a recap of what President Rodrigo Duterte said in his weekly speech to the nation. This one was delivered on Wednesday, Dec. 16.

• President Duterte talks about COVID-19, says "we have suffered enough and to suffer more is not acceptable anymore."
• Duterte asks Filipinos to follow health protocols to prevent the spread of the virus.
• Duterte says COVID-19 is a "very lethal thing."
• Health Sec. Francisco Duque III says hospitals will be asked to ensure that there are enough beds for COVID-19 cases in preparation for the likely spike of infections this Christmas.
• Duque reminds the public to avoid crowded places, buffets, karaoke bars for the holidays.
• Duque says the use of trumpets is discouraged to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
• Transportation Sec. Arthur Tugade says he ordered the study of the removal of barriers in toll gates in expressways since cashless toll collection has been implemented.
• Tugade apologizes to motorists, LGUs over RFID woes.
• Duterte calls members of the toll regulatory board (TRB) "incompetent" as he discussed problems with RFID implementation.
• Duterte says he cannot accept the "incompetence" of the TRB; says government is getting the blame for their shortcomings.
• Duterte says incompetent officials and workers in government should resign and not wait to get fired.
• Duterte calls former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV "a shit of a dog."
• COVID-19 vaccination czar Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. says he expects immunization in the Philippines to start in March at the earliest.
• Executive Sec. Salvador Medialdea asks critics to wait for the government's COVID-19 immunization program.
• Duterte asks the public to refrain from partying this Christmas, he tells the people to "make it a sacrifice."