Duterte calls ECQ a cruel but necessary burden

President Duterte described the enhanced community quarantine as a "cruel" but necessary burden for Filipinos to endure to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

He acknowledged the hardship caused by the lockdown, admitting his own impatience and inability to return to Davao City due to travel restrictions.

Duterte highlighted that the travel ban in Davao City, enforced by his daughter, was specifically to protect its residents from the virus.

The President likened the enhanced community quarantine to carrying a cross, emphasizing the prolonged suffering it entails for everyone, including himself.

He assured the public that the Luzon lockdown would be lifted immediately once an effective antibody treatment for the coronavirus becomes available.

Duterte expressed optimism that a treatment could be found soon, though a vaccine might still take a year to develop.

The enhanced community quarantine in Luzon, initially imposed on March 17, was extended until April 30 to prevent further infections and improve healthcare capacity.