Immediately after getting a scathing reproach from President Rodrigo Duterte, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade personally reached out to several Locally-Stranded Individuals (LSis) who were camped out at Andrews Avenue, and checked on their current situation.

After checking and assessing their condition, the transportation chief immediately ordered airport personnel and security to assist the LSIs and accommodate them inside Terninal 3, given that they have their valid tickets, medical certificate and travel authority, while awaiting for their flights.

“Papasukin ko kayo sa airport, para hindi kayo naka-standby dito. Magtulungan tayo,” Secretary Tugade said.

Further, Secretary Tugade ensured that the stranded passengers will be given proper accommodation and will be provided meals three (3) times a day.

With this, the LSIs gratefully exclaimed, “Maraming salamat po, Sir! Maraming salamat po kay Pangulong Duterte.”

When asked why he’s very eager and determined to help and assist our kababayans, Secretary Tugade said, “Kasi alam ko ‘yung feeling ng mahirap. Galing ako diyan. Ang feeling nila, kapag hindi tinutulungan, parang itinakwil sila ng tadhana. Ayaw ko nun. At saka utos ni Boss. Nakita mo yung pagmamahal ni Boss Duterte?”

“…Gusto kong malaman nila, na maski sa kalagayan nila na ganyan, ang administrasyong Duterte at ‘yung mga meron, ay kayang tumulong sa kanila,” he added.