Duterte says Philippines deep in debt, vows sacks of cash before Odette victims

President Rodrigo Duterte, facing victims of typhoon Odette, said the government is in deep debt amid the pandemic yet vowed to distribute one sack of money per family during the campaign period.

"You know, we don’t have money left. I’m not saying this so that the government won’t have to do anything anymore, but to be totally honest, when the COVID pandemic first started, there was no spending limit," Duterte said in Cebuano language, which was translated to English by the Presidential Communications Operations Office.

"I’ve racked up huge debts in hotels, both the cheap and expensive ones because when our OFWs go home, we put them in quarantine first. They are quarantined in hotels so I’ve racked up massive debts per our calculation. Some of the quarantine hotels are the Manila Hotel, Hyatt, and all [other] hotels as long as they have vacant rooms," he added.

The President lamented the series of unfortunate events as Odette hit the country in a time when the government is ramping up its COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

"Our bad luck, all the bad things happened one after the other. I don’t know if God is still watching over us. Why don’t you ask your priest? Our problems arrive successively and they are very costly. But because there are people who need our help, then we will really help them," he said.

"We’ll prioritize those who were really left with nothing. Just don’t be selfish, just wait for your turn. We will have to help those who have nothing right now. But for those whose houses are still intact and just need some repairs, you’ll be next to receive help," he added.

From calamity to campaign

The President, however, changed his tune when he mentioned going back to Bohol to hug seductive individuals and campaign for administration bets for 2022 polls.

"I want to embrace all of you, especially those who look seductive. They’re beautiful but I just don’t have time. With God’s grace, maybe I’ll come back here to campaign for some candidates. Is that okay with you? I’ll bring plenty of money, one sack of money for every family," Duterte said.

"You can hardly spend all that in a year," he added.

The President then asked the crowd if he would receive a warm welcome, a gesture that earned good reception from the crowd.

"But seriously, with God’s grace. I won’t, I already said I will retire, but I need to help some candidates because I owe them a debt of gratitude, so I will campaign for them.  Oh, the beautiful ladies should clap now. The pretty ladies here, will you welcome me when I come back? Then I might bring someone home to Davao," he added.—LDF, GMA News