PRRD cancels public address due to spike in coronavirus cases

MANILA – The spike in the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases has prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to postpone his scheduled talk to the people this week, Malacañang announced Wednesday.

“The Palace confirms that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will not have a Talk to the People Address tonight, April 7, 2021, in light of the rising number of active Covid-19 cases,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement.

Duterte was supposed to deliver his regular talk to the nation on Monday night. It, however, did not push through.

In a virtual presser on Monday, Roque said Duterte’s public address might be held on Wednesday.

In a text message sent to Palace reporters, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte’s televised address will be moved to next week.

“Next week na (It has been moved to next week),” Roque said when asked if Duterte will address the nation on Wednesday night.

Duterte’s weekly public address, which is usually held every Monday, was canceled to keep the 76-year-old Chief Executive safe from Covid-19, Roque said.

“The physical safety of the President remains our utmost concern,” he 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. Please be guided accordingly.”

In an interview with DZBB, Senator Christopher Lawrence Go said many members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) have contracted Covid-19, prompting Duterte to cancel his talk to the people.

Duterte, Go guaranteed, has no exposure to Covid-19-infected PSG personnel.

Duterte was last seen in public on March 29 when he delivered his regular public address and witnessed the arrival of 1 million Covid-19 vaccines the government procured from China’s Sinovac Biotech.

He also spent the Holy Week at Malacañan Palace in Manila, based on the photos shared by Go on Facebook.