President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to address the nation regarding developments on Typhoon “Rolly” Monday night, Malacañang said on Sunday.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that even if the Chief Executive did not preside over the recent National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) briefing, he continues to monitor the government's preparations for the super typhoon.
“The President is monitoring developments and we actually expect him to address the nation. I just don't know when," he said in a mix of Filipino and English.
Roque said it was Duterte who called for a press conference with NDRRMC and other concerned agencies.
Roque could not say if the President would visit typhoon-affected areas when the situation improves.
“Even though it is difficult to travel because of COVID, the President is monitoring and he'll make the decision about whether he can make rounds," he said.
He said all agencies are on standby to respond to eventualities that might occur due to the typhoon.
Duterte is in his hometown of Davao City and is expected to fly back to Manila on Nov. 3, Roque said.
Senator Christopher Go, a former aide to the President, said Duterte has already issued orders to the concerned government agencies to respond to the effects of the typhoon.
Aside from mitigating the typhoon’s effects, the government is focused on immediately restoring normalcy once Typhoon Rolly has left the country, Go added.
This includes the repair of infrastructure and the restoration of power, he said.
He added that the police force and the military are on high alert and ready to respond to the crisis.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development has already prepared and prepositioned relief and financial assistance to those who will be hit by the typhoon, he added.
Go urged local governments to ensure that they have evacuation centers that are ready to accommodate evacuees while strictly implementing health and safety protocols necessary to avoid the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases.