President Rodrigo Duterte reminded the local government officials not to be carried by their own opinions and make their own rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their place.
During his televised address, Duterte said that the officials of LGUs should follow the social distancing rules imposed by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases instead of making their own ways based on their beliefs.
Duterte warned the local officials not to insist on their own rules or else face charges or dismissal for not cooperating with the national government.
“Kayong mga Mayors wag kayong maglaro, kasi kung ayaw ninyong mag social distancing, mapipilitan ako na puntahan kita at arestuhin kita, ayaw ko mag aresto ng Mayor, pero huwag kang mag sabi na ‘ay mayroon kaming batas na sinusunod’ sa panahon na ito, ang batas ay isa lang, ang batas ng DOH, as implemented by (Defense Secretary Delfin) Lorenzana, (Interior Secretary Eduardo) Año, (chief implementer Carlito) Galvez pati itong..” Duterte said.
“Kung salubungin mo yan, mapipilitan akong puntahan at sabihin sayo ‘anong klase ka? mayroon ng ibinibigay na instruction, yung iyong point of view taguin mo lang yan, punta ka doon, pasok ka sa kwarto mo, kunin mo lahat sa bulsa mo ang iyong opinyon, ilagay mo sa drawer mo tapos mo sundin mo lang ang gobyerno, okay ba tayo diyan, Mayor, Governor?” he added.
The President then reminded the local officials that he’s only their subordinate and servant, as long as they’re doing what’s better for the people.
Duterte said that he doesn’t care about politics anymore as he’s soon to retire after his presidency.
On April 1, three governors face charges for implementing their own rules contrary to the protocols set by President Duterte and IATF.
However, DILG refused to name the said governors.