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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Kids told: Don't ask for Christmas gifts; don't visit godparents

Kids told: Don't ask for Christmas gifts; don't visit godparents

Published Dec 19, 2020 11:59 am

Christmas this year will most definitely be different especially to kids who are expecting gifts from their godparents as they are told no less than President Duterte himself to set aside this tradition for now to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on December 7, 2020. (KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / File photo)

In his weekly public address on Wednesday, President Duterte said there was a time for everything but this year is not the time for kids to visit their godparents and ask for "aguinaldo".

"Kalma muna. Tutal marami pa namang Pasko, eh (Take a pause for now. After all, there will still be a lot of Christmas)," he said.

"Maghingi ka (Ask for gifts), hopefully in God's own time, maybe next December," he added.

According to the President, people may contract the disease if they will go out just to buy gifts that their godchildren may want.

"Huwag na kayong maghingi-hingi ng mga ninong, ninang kasi kaawa (Don't ask for gifts from your godparents because it will be hard for them)," he said.

"Maglabas 'yung ninang mo pati ninong, mamili diyan sa kung saan-saan. Idamay mo lang (Your godparents will go somewhere just to buy you presents. They'll get the disease because of you)," he added.

President Duterte cited how people still flock to Divisoria, ignoring physical distancing, like there was no pandemic at all.

"Bakit walang katapusan? Tignan mo naman ang tao. Social distancing 'yan. Tignan mo sa TV. Fini-feature nila ang mga tao sa Divisoria napakarami (Why is this not ending? Just look at the people. Social distancing. Turn on your TV, they are featuring the crowds in Divisoria. There are a lot of people there)," he said.

"Dapat talaga hugas, mask, kung maaari huwag kang lumabas. Kung wala ka naman talagang ano. Mamili ka? Huwag muna ngayon (You really should wash your hands, wear face masks, and if possible, do not go out especially if it's not important. You want to buy something? Not now)," he added.

According to Duterte, what the people can do aside from following the health protocols set by the government is to pray.

"What should we do is to pray for our country and prepare for those who are sick," he said.

"So time for happiness, time for enjoyment, birthday parties, wedding receptions, and time to be just relax. Mahaba pa ang buhay (Life is long). If not for you, then for your children. Okay?" he added.

Malacañang has warned the public about the possible rise of COVID-19 cases this holiday season and if it happens, parts of the country may revert to stricter quarantine classifications next month. 

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