Duterte to address nation amid COVID-19 surge

President Duterte will address the nation on Thursday night amid the continued rise in COVID-19 cases in the country.

He previously commented on the public's fear of the virus, noting that precautions were being taken.

The President admitted to not adhering to the 'no-touch' policy, still engaging in handshakes.

He advised the public to rely on information from the World Health Organization and the government, cautioning against unverified online information.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo urged the public to avoid circulating unverified information to prevent unnecessary anxiety.

Prior to his address, Duterte met with members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to discuss further containment measures.

The number of confirmed global infections has surpassed 118,000, with over 4,200 deaths, including two in the Philippines, which is now under a state of public health emergency.