While announcing Metro Manila’s lockdown, Duterte addressed doctors, saying “there would not have been [any] need for you to [raise] your hands as if you’re saying ‘revolution, revolution’”.

“Next time, you can just ask for an audience,” he said. “Now, if you think that this can be solved by revolution, then by all means, we start it.”

According to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Duterte’s comments were in response to criticism of his government’s efforts to contain the pandemic and to the growing popularity of a Tagalog version of Do You Hear The People Sing?, performed by prominent Filipino singers and actors via Zoom, which has attracted 1.3 million views on Facebook.

“It was just one thing after another: the criticism of Senator Franklin Drilon, followed by Vice-President Leni Robredo, and then the spreading of a revolution song,” Roque said. “So the president said, if there are troublemakers and those want to replace him, then bring it on.”

Doctors were not responsible for the recording of the song but Duterte apparently also objected to a Zoom conference between medical professionals on Saturday which, according to Duterte, “demeaned” his government.

Duterte asks Filipinos to ‘endure’ coronavirus curbs, pins hopes on China vaccine

Gideon Lasco, a medical doctor and anthropologist, criticised Duterte’s response online.

“Health care workers reported that they are experiencing fear, fatigue, and poor working conditions,” he tweeted. “Duterte’s response is to threaten health care workers, castigate them for airing grievances, dare them to stage a revolution and set them up as objects of blame.”

The Philippines endured one of the world’s longest lockdowns from March 16 to June 1 but still has the second-highest infection rates in Asia. Last week, more than 50 medical associations warned that the country’s health care system was on the brink of collapse.

Quarantine was eased on June 1 to help stimulate the economy, which was battered by the lockdowns in Metro Manila and the surrounding provinces of Cavite, Rizal, Bulacan and Laguna. The National Economic and Development Authority estimated the first lockdown cost the economy 1.1 trillion pesos (US$224 million) or 5.6 per cent of GDP and about 7 million jobs.

ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Mapa, who downgraded his full-year 2020 GDP growth forecast from -3.9 per cent to -4.1 per cent, said the renewed lockdown would inflict further pain on the Philippine economy.

After the lockdown was eased, infections soared again. On Sunday, a daily record of 5,000 new infections were reported.

As a result, several hospitals are approaching capacity and cannot accommodate new coronavirus patients, while doctors and frontline staff are also being exposed to the virus. Many health workers have complained about shortages of personal protective equipment, not receiving pay increases or transport to reach work.

Philippines doctors cry out for fresh lockdown as virus cases surge

“I have heard the call of different groups from the medical community for a two-week enhanced community quarantine,” Duterte said during Sunday’s televised cabinet meeting, where pay increases, travel and accommodation for health workers were also discussed.

“I fully understand why your health workers would like to ask for such a timeout period. They have been on the front lines for months and are exhausted.”