Duterte defends PH lockdown by citing others under strict quarantine

President Rodrigo Duterte defended his decision to reimpose strict quarantine measures in Metro Manila and nearby provinces by pointing out that many countries such as Ukraine, France, Germany, Poland, and Italy are also under lockdown.

Duterte emphasized that the government's response is not unique or inadequate, noting that 75 percent of Italy has entered a new lockdown due to rising coronavirus cases.

He also expressed concern over reinfections in other countries despite early vaccination efforts, attributing this to more contagious virus strains.