When President Rodrigo Duterte reiterated his earlier statement to use gas as a disinfectant, several celebrities reacted to the President’s suggestion.
Kapamilya Celebrity Nikki Valdez tweeted her hopelessness in the matter. “Wala na talaga to… 🤦🏻♀️”
Wala na talaga to… 🤦🏻♀️ https://t.co/F5FcRHjevq
— NVG 🌸💚 (@nikkivaldez_) July 31, 2020
Pia Magalona tweeted that thankfully gas stations will not sell such a small amount to be used for “disinfection”.
“Wala namang gasoline station na magbibigay ng ‘magpatulo ka,’ thank God!!”
Wala namang gasoline station na magbibigay ng “magpatulo ka,” thank God!! https://t.co/F6MbAOkn1y
— Pia Magalona ⁷ (@piamagalona) July 31, 2020
Tony Velasquez sarcastically said that no one can compare to the president’s wit and smarts.
“Walang sinuman ang merong kasing husay ng wit at talino ni Pangulo, kaya lahat ng world leaders saludo sa kaniya.”
Walang sinuman ang merong kasing husay ng wit at talino ni Pangulo, kaya lahat ng world leaders saludo sa kaniya https://t.co/csSmML6jw6
— Tony Velasquez (@KakanTuring) July 31, 2020
@IAmCharotism echoed Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque’s words that the president was joking the first time he mentioned his gasoline disinfectant scheme.
“Kayo naman, apat na taon na siyang Presidente parang hindi ‘nyo pa kilala si Presidente. Joke only. Bakit naman tayo maghuhugas ng gasolina? – Harry Roque After 1 week Mahirap pala ng work dito. Charot!”
Kayo naman, apat na taon na siyang Presidente parang hindi 'nyo pa kilala si Presidente. Joke only. Bakit naman tayo maghuhugas ng gasolina? – Harry Roque
After 1 week
Mahirap pala ng work dito. Charot! https://t.co/roaHjs9CK1 pic.twitter.com/mBRUhBlLEa
— Charot! (@IamCharotism) July 31, 2020
Palace spokesperson Harry Roque had earlier explained that President Duterte ‘s latest “advice” to the public to use gasoline as a disinfectant was a joke.
“Kayo naman apat na taon na si Presidente, parang hindi niyo pa kilala si Presidente. Joke only! Bakit naman tayo maghuhugas ng gasolina,” Roque said in a televised press briefing.
According to the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP), gasoline is harmful to the body, particularly if it is inhaled.
Gasoline must not be used as a disinfectant because it is toxic to the body, a group of chemists told the public Friday after President Rodrigo Duterte recommended that it be used as an alternative to hand sanitizers.
“Pinapaalalahanan ng ICP ang lahat na HINDI ginagamit ang gasolina upang gawing panlinis o disinfectant ng mga bagay-bagay. Makasasama ito sa tao lalo na kapag nalanghap ang singaw nito.”
Pag magdisinfect ka ng gasolina at lumaklak ng alcohol malamang mamatay talaga yung virus kasi patay ka rin. #NotAJoke
— Kevin Manalo (@kevinmanalo_) July 31, 2020
HELPPPPPPPP 😭 https://t.co/u6A83JdNhh
— b a n i n a y (@BaninayBautista) July 31, 2020
Duterte’s comments prompted reporters to question if these methods are accepted and healthy for humans, but the Department of Health (DOH) did not have a clear response.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire did not clarify that gasoline or diesel is safe to use and then confirmed that DOH and the Food and Drug Administration are recommending hand washing and alcohol use.
“Kung wala pong magagamit na malinis na tubig at sabon, inire-rekomenda po ng DOH at FDA na gumamit po ng alcohol or alcohol-based hand sanitizer,” Vergeire said on Tuesday.
“Ang mga alcohol po dapat ay naglalaman ng 70 percent ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol samantalang ang alcohol-based hand sanitizers ay dapat po naglalaman ng 60 percent ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol,” she added.
