Rappler
FALSE: Duterte warned about coronavirus threat ‘at the start’
President Rodrigo Duterte claimed in an April 6 speech that he warned Filipinos about the threat of COVID-19 from the start.
However, fact-checkers rated this claim FALSE, citing Duterte's previous statements in February where he downplayed the virus.
In early February, after the first COVID-19 death outside China was recorded in the Philippines, Duterte assured the public that "everything is well" and there was "nothing really to be extra scared of."
He also compared the novel coronavirus to SARS, stating it would "die a natural death" without vaccines.
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News Sources
See how different news organizations are covering this story. Below are the original articles from various Philippine news sources that contributed to this summary.
Malacañang denied that President Rodrigo Duterte initially downplayed the threat of COVID-19, stating his actions were based on World Health Organization pronouncements and the evolving situation.
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President Duterte urged Filipinos to unite in prayer to overcome the coronavirus pandemic, stating that only God can truly solve the problem.
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President Rodrigo Duterte defended China against rumors that COVID-19 is a bioweapon, stating that the country has been a reliable partner to the Philippines.
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Malacañang defended President Rodrigo Duterte's statement ordering authorities to shoot dead individuals who resort to violence during the COVID-19 crisis, stating it is not a crime.
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President Rodrigo Duterte has warned the Left against staging riots amidst the COVID-19 crisis and the ongoing community quarantines.
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