President Rodrigo Duterte says that Filipinos will continue to celebrate Christmas holidays amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In a speech on Wednesday, Duterte appealed to the public to maintain health protocols during the holidays.

“We are nearing Christmas Day and I hope that everything, hindi naman walang problema, but if we can just minimize the problem for the Filipino,” Duterte said.

The government is bracing for a surge of coronavirus cases in the country. Experts warned that cases could reach 500,000 by year end.

“Sundin lang natin ang culture, but there are rules to be followed,” he said.

Duterte said that the country would suffer more should there be another wave of COVID-19 cases.

“We have suffered enough. To suffer more is not acceptable,” Duterte added.

Experts see an upward trend in cases in Metro Manila in the recent days. The region is placed under General Community Quarantine. (TDT)