SONA best time for 'The Big One' quake, Duterte jokes

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said in jest that if "The Big One" will come, he would rather have it hitting the country during his ongoing State of the Nation Address (SONA).

"I just heard from a psychic that the first crack when the Big One hits will be at the center of this [Batasang Pambansa building]," Duterte said during his speech while discussing disaster resilience.

He said that it might do good to end the systemic issue of corruption.

"'Yan man ang sabi nila, the Philippines is so corrupt, so lousy that if you kill all the congressmen, senators and the President, we will have a new day," Duterte said.

"So I pray that if the earthquake comes, it comes now this moment. Kumpleto na tayo," he added, sending his audience to laughter.

Experts have warned that the Philippines is due for "The Big One," a high-magnitude earthquake that could hit Metro Manila and nearby areas if the West Valley Fault moves.

More than a million damaged residential structures and 34,000 deaths are projected should the 'Big One' hit Metro Manila, according to an expert. —JST, GMA News