Fallen healthcare workers fortunate to have died for country —Duterte

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night again paid tribute to the country's frontliners against COVID-19, saying the health workers who died in the war against the virus were fortunate to die in the line of duty.

In his nationally televised address, Duterte expressed his gratitude to all the doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, police, soldiers, civil servants and essential service workers of the private sector.

“I assure you that your efforts will be rewarded. Your heroism will not be forgotten. Saludo kami sa inyo,” Duterte said.

"May doktor, mga nurses namatay, sila 'yong nasawi ang buhay para lang makatulong sa kapuwa. Napakasuwerte nila. Namatay sila para sa bayan," he added.

"'Yon ang dapat rason na bakit tayo mamatay," Duterte said.

Duterte also thanked local officials for “doing their best” to contain the spread of the virus in their localities.

“I see that you are employing innovative programs and initiatives to address the needs of your constituents. ’Yan ang dapat tulungan,” Duterte said.

“Rest assured that the national government is behind you as we safeguard the welfare of our people in your communities,” he added.

He also acknowledged the governments of China and Singapore, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, Jack Ma and business tycoons Ramon Ang, Enrique Razon, Manny Pangilinan, Lucio Tan and Michael Tan for their help in this unprecedented situation.

Businesses such as Simeon of Shop Philippines, Century Peak Corporation, Udenna Foundation, PAGCOR, Mammoth Foundation, Ciriaco Lopez Global Fund, America Cares Foundation, UNFPA, Aboitiz Foundation, D and L Corp., Golden Tapper, Landers Superstore, Unilab Foundation, Allianz Global, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation and Temasek Foundation were also recognized.

“In behalf of the Filipinos, I thank you and your compassion and your generosity and my personal gratitude,” Duterte said.

“For those who have silently helped away from the cameras, maraming salamat po,” he added.

The country has so far recorded a total of 1,546 COVID-19 cases, including 78 deaths. —NB, GMA News