MANILA 31 Jul (ANA) - Philippines' president Rodrigo Duterte has once again told people to disinfect their face masks with petrol - insisting he was "not joking".

 

He had made similar remarks last week - but officials were quick to correct him, and suggested it was a joke.

 

Health officials also said cloths masks should be washed normally, and surgical masks replaced after use.

 

But on Friday, the president doubled down - saying "what I've said was true... go to a gasoline station".

 

There is no evidence that gasoline can disinfect masks; having prolonged contact with it can be harmful; and pouring flammable liquids can be a fire risk.

 

Referring to his earlier comments, Mr Duterte said: "They [critics] said, 'Duterte's insane.' Stupid! If I'm insane, you should be the president, not me.

 

"What I've said was true. If alcohol isn't available, especially for the poor, just go to a gasoline station, and use [gas] to disinfect.

 

"I am not joking. I am not joking. You… you try to get inside my brain."(ANA)

FA/ANA/31 July 2020--------