President Rodrigo Duterte called on Filipinos to do away with parties and celebrations during the holidays to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease.
In a televised meeting late Monday, the President apologized for the restrictions imposed by the government.
“Ngayon pa lang we are saying sorry that there will be a curtailment of so many things that you have been used to during Christmas time (there will be a curtailment of so many things that you have been used to during Christmas time),” he said.
Duterte appealed to the public to skip “festivities” so that they would be protected from Covid-19.
“So, so many parties, almost in your adult and younger years, you had parties every Christmas. Would you be kind enough just to skip the festivities, iwasan na muna ninyo (avoid it). You avoid it because it is for your own good and for the good of the community and eventually for the good of the country,” he said.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said that Metro Manila mayors agreed to ban Christmas parties, reunions, and carolings this holiday season.