MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night said he would not follow the Presidential Security Group’s (PSG) “no-touch” policy to ensure his safety from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), stressing that he would continue to “embrace” or shake hands with the people he meets.
“I want an embrace, why only a handshake? Kulang ‘yan,” Duterte said in a press briefing in Malacañang.
“Kalokohan ‘yan [That’s foolish]. I will shake hands … Anak, ilang [beses] ko bang sinasabi na sa iyo na kung tawagin ang Diyos sa oras na ito, pupunta na ako. Tapos na ako. Naging Presidente na ako, pinakamataas na maabot ng isang tao, mga anak ko okay na,” he added.
The PSG earlier announced it would strictly enforce preventive measures to protect the President and his family amid the coronavirus infection spike in the Philippines.
READ: PSG: ‘No touch’ policy on Duterte amid coronavirus scare
He also rejected the appeal of his partner, Honeylet Avanceña, for him to avoid “big crowds” for now.
READ: Honeylet wants Duterte to avoid ‘big crowds’ for now due to COVID-19
“Trabaho ko ‘yan eh. I cannot,” he said.
He stressed that he would not decline any invitations and would continue to shake hands with everybody.
/atm