Palace assures public Duterte is fit and healthy amid COVID-19 scare

President Rodrigo Duterte is reportedly fit and healthy, with no symptoms of COVID-19, according to Malacañang.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo assured the public of the President's well-being despite the ongoing spread of the coronavirus.

Duterte has continued to work, including holding meetings with the inter-agency task force, even as Health Secretary Francisco Duque III undergoes self-quarantine.

The President apologized for the Luzon "lockdown" but defended it as an "extreme measure" necessary to contain the outbreak.

Duterte warned local government units (LGUs) against defying the national government's quarantine strategy and implementing their own rules.

He directed the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to monitor LGU compliance and file cases against officials who overstep their authority.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles urged the public to cooperate and avoid pitting LGUs against each other during the enhanced community quarantine.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año clarified that LGUs cannot suspend flights but can coordinate with agencies if necessary, emphasizing adherence to IATF guidelines for cargo and goods movement.