07 May 2017

From Presidential Spokesperson Ernie Abella – On the Quiapo twin explosion
We are saddened by the loss of lives brought by yesterday’s night explosions in Quiapo. We likewise wish for the immediate recovery of those who were wounded.

While investigation is now ongoing, we ask the public to remain alert and immediately report to authorities any suspicious activity or movement.

Also, we urge our people to refrain from forwarding news from unverified sources that may cause undue alarm and panic.


From Presidential Spokesperson Ernie Abella – On PRRD’s Excellent Trust Rating in the SWS First Quarter 2017 Survey
The President continues to be the most trusted national leader today. His trust rating remains excellent with 80% of Filipinos giving him much trust, which is similar to the 81% he received last December 2016.

His net trust rating has been excellent for four consecutive quarters, considering the deeply entrenched culture of illegal drugs, criminality and corruption. We urge Filipinos to be vigilant and engaged partners in active pursuit of change.

The resistance to change in Philippine society has been breached by President Duterte; with him we are assured that the interests of the Filipino people come first and last.


From Presidential Spokesperson Ernie Abella – On the 2017 PH-US military exercises for disaster damage mitigation
The two-week Balikatan joint military exercises between the United States military and our Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to be formally launched tomorrow at Camp Aguinaldo will focus on improving our capabilities for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) as well as in counter-terrorism operations.

National security issues now include environmental hazards. Balikatan 2017 will be an exercise in partnership for mitigating possible damages due to disasters both natural and man-made.