MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte dares leftist groups to conduct protests in the streets as COVID-19 cases continue to surge nationwide.
“The cases are spiking and they just keep protesting,” Duterte said, speaking partly in Filipino, in a taped speech televised. “Those in the left, if you want to protest, go ahead. I myself will sign the permit. But if you ask for three days, I will get mad. Make it 10 days, [curses], you will pay. Protest to the high heavens.”
Duterte further criticized leftist groups airing their concerns against the governments.
“Go ahead, rant against the government. You animals. If you’re so bright, then you should’ve taken this post and you could’ve done whatever you want,” he added.
The latest mass protest happened during Duterte’s fifth State of the Nation Address last July 27. Thousands of people belong to various groups trooped to the main rally in Quezon City. Five jeepney drivers were arrested as they were about to join the rally.
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