Duterte apologizes for extending MECQ

Screengrab from RTVM’s Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte apologized on Wednesday for extending the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) over the so-called NCR Plus, saying it must be done to address the spike in cases and hospitals that are overcrowded.

“Mga kababayan ko, nanghihingi lang ako sa inyo ng paumanhin, I’m sorry that I have to impose a longer, itong modified enhanced comunnity [quarantine] kasi kailangan,” Duterte said in a pre-recorded speech.

(My countrymen, I am asking for your forgiveness. I’m sorry that I have to impose a longer modified enhanced community quarantine because it is needed.)

“Tumaas yung infections at yung hospital natin [na]puno [na],” he added.

(The infections spiked and our hospitals are overcrowded.)

The President extended the MECQ over Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite and Laguna until May 14.

READ: MECQ in NCR Plus extended until May 14

He also placed Santiago City in Quirino province and Abra province under MECQ for the entire month of May.

“Ngayon, alam ko galit kayo. Magalit na lang kayo sa akin kasi wala man talaga ako magawa. Ang virus na yan, lumilipad yan sa hangin. Kung kausap mo may virus, ma-virus ka din,” Duterte said.

(Now, I realize you are angry at me because I cannot do anything. That virus keeps flying around, and if you talk to someone with a virus, it spreads to you.)

The President told the public to follow health protocols because that’s what’s best for everyone.

“I would be the last, ako yung pinaka-huling tao na mag-istorbo sa buhay ninyo. Sabi ko nga e, I want the people to be comfortable so sometimes you have to interdict or intervene because it is of national interest,” Duterte said.

(I would be the last, I am the last person to interrupt your life. Yes, I want people to live comfortably, so sometimes you have to interdict or intervene because it is of national interest.)

abc