'Act reasonably': Duterte tells organizers of poll bets’ gatherings

President Rodrigo Duterte speaks to the media after Sen. Christopher "Bong" Go filed his certificate of candidacy to join the vice presidential race in Pasay City, metro Manila on October 2, 2021.

AFP / Lisa Marie David / Pool

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has urged participants of political events to be cautious and to "act reasonably," noting that huge gatherings can turn into superspreaders of COVID-19.

Duterte said while the Philippines is under a national emergency, the government does not want to curtail the right of the people to freely assemble, seek redress of grievances or discuss matters that are allowable in a democracy.

"Remember that we are still in a pandemic situation and any large gathering may trigger a superspreader event. While we welcome these exercises as concrete and tangible manifestations of our healthy democracy, kindly temper your enthusiasm and act reasonably," the President said during a pre-recorded public address last Monday.

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/12/14/2147963/act-reasonably-duterte-tells-organizers-poll-bets-gatherings