President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday extended his apologies to the victims of Typhoon Odette, particularly on the government's late response to the tragedy.
According to Duterte, even the national government is facing difficulties with the response because of how scattered and far away the affected areas are.
"Mag-apologize muna ako. Maghingi ako ng tawad na napatagal ang response sa gobyerno. Sa totoo lang, hirap rin kami dito sa itaas because of the so many places scattered around at malalayo, island for island, at pati 'yung pera," Duterte told victims of Typhoon Odette in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
(I would like to apologize first. I am sort for the late response from the government. Honestly, we are also facing difficulties because of the so many places scattered around and how fay they are, island for island, even the money.)
Duterte said that a damage report from affected provinces will be required in order to release funds, a requirement that he cannot wait for.
"So sabi ko hindi na hintayin yun. Ako ang sagot ko, irelease ninyo ang pera," the president said.
(So I said I will no longer wait for it. I tell them to release the money.)
"Alam ninyo, sabihin ko na lang naka-raise ako ng 10 billion. So iyan ibigay sa tao and it does not include everything, but ito para lang ito, galing sa opisina ko," he added.
(You know, I’m teling you that I raised P10 billion. So I would give that to the people and it does not include everything, but this one came from my office.)
Duterte further said that he will continue working on Christmas and New Year with the government to continue assisting victims of Typhoon Odette, while also asking them to be patient.
"Hanggang Pasko magta-trabaho ako. Hindi ako mag-New Year. Talagang lalabas ako, pero ito hintayin na lang ninyo," he said.
(I will work until Christmas. I won’t be celebrating my New Year. I would go out, but be patient.)
"Total marami nang Pasko sa buhay natin, sobra-sobra na, itong Pasko na ito ibigay natin sa tao. So ta-trabaho kami pati ang military, pati ang pulis. Stay put sila para naman wala masyadong gulo."
(We already spent a lot of Christmas, too much of it, and this Christmas I would like to give it to the people. So we would work, even the military and police. They will stay put to maintain order.)
