Duterte pledges P10B for Odette amid claims of depleted funds

President Duterte expressed concerns over government funds being depleted due to the pandemic during meetings with Typhoon Odette victims.

Spox Karlo Nograles clarified that Duterte's comments were meant to highlight the challenges faced by the country, including spending on vaccines and disaster response.

Despite claiming financial constraints, Duterte pledged PHP10 billion for initial typhoon response and another PHP2 billion for rehabilitation efforts.

Duterte acknowledged the need for patience as funds are being allocated from various sources despite previous expenditures on quarantine hotels for returning OFWs.