President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday visited typhoon-battered Isabela, and said in jest that the province cannot boast of having many attractive residents.

Duterte made the remark as he announced his order for the revenue of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to be used for paying for medical prescriptions for the poor.

The President said the public should only be truthful in declaring indigency to avail of free medicine.

"Kung talagang pupunta ng ospital tapos sabihin ito ang reseta, wala kang pera, you just prove to me. Huwag lang niyo akong magsinungaling sa akin, anything, sa police, sa military. Huwag ninyo akong bolahin, sabihin lang ninyo kung ano ang totoo," he said.

He then said the honesty rule should also apply to matters of the heart and went on to say that someone told him there are lots of beautiful women in Isabela province, which he has not found true.

"Ngayon, sa magaganda -- magpakatotoo ka sa pag-ibig... Saan na yun, 'Punta ka ng Isabela, pakilala kita doon, maraming magaganda. Nakita ko roon, wala naman," he said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Typhoon Lawin last week left huge trails of destruction in Isabela and adjoining northern Luzon provinces. Duterte, together with several Cabinet officials, led the distribution of relief goods in the worst-hit areas.