Labella: Duterte efficiently battling COVID-19

CEBU, Philippines —  For Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella, President Rodrigo Duterte has "effectively addressed the COVID-19 issues."

Labella made the statement in yesterday’s virtual press conference in which he was asked about his expectations for the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) of the President.

The mayor said Duterte will surely emphasize how the government addressed the COVID-19 crisis in the country.

With COVID-19 greatly affecting the business community, Labella said he expects Duterte to discuss efforts to revive the economy, which has been suffering for months now.

"Businesses are hurting," said Labella.

"I think one of the things that the President should discuss would be on how to help revive the economy and maybe prevent massive job losses," he said.

Duterte is set to deliver his fifth SONA tomorrow.

According to Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, the President may switch to “Plan B” and deliver his SONA in Malacañang if many of the invited guests at Batasang Pambansa test positive for COVID-19.

The Palace earlier announced that Duterte will deliver his SONA at the House of Representatives in Quezon City before a limited number of guests.

Andanar said the final venue of the President’s SONA remains “very fluid,” adding that it may change depending on the test results of the government officials invited to the event.

The President and other SONA guests are expected to undergo COVID testing prior to the event.

Andanar said Duterte's fifth SONA will not be a regular speech as it will be delivered as the nation reels from the coronavirus pandemic.  LPM (FREEMAN)