Duterte’s remark that Cebuanos are hard-headed has been a total challenge — Vice Mayor Rama

President Rodrigo Duterte's remark that Cebuanos are supposedly hard-headed in following quarantine protocols has been a challenge for Cebu City residents, Vice Mayor Michael Rama said on Thursday.

"Mas mabuti 'yung prangka-prangka na that expression of sentiment ng Presidente, it has become a total challenge sa amin kasi no matter what, itong IATF with Secretary Roy Cimatu and the group have really brought one multi-sectorals into a platform where we will be orchestrated po to do what we are supposed to do," Rama said during a press briefing.

As the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Cebu City continue to spike, Duterte had said before that Cebuanos are supposedly slow in complying with the measures of the national government.

"Kayong mga Cebuano, huwag sana kayo magalit sa akin. Prangka lang tayo. Mas mabuti na prangka tayo. Pupunta ako diyan sa inyo. Papaprangkahin ko kayo pagdating ko. Ang titigas ng ulo ninyo," Duterte had said.

Latest data showed that Cebu City has a total of 7,015 cases of COVID-19 including 3,852 active cases. The death toll was also recorded at 253.

Cebu City is the only area placed under enhanced community quarantine by the national government.

Mayor Edgar Labella earlier said the city government has enough funds to continue helping barangays as it remains under enhanced community quarantine.

Rama said allegations that there are anomalies in the handling of budget in curbing the spread of COVID-19 must be investigated.

"For sure, we did not approve P1 billion sa Sangguniang Panglungsod na it will end up into an anomaly. Of course there are accusations but let this be looked into. Due process should be given," Rama said. — RSJ, GMA News