Joy Belmonte apologizes for losing cool on social media, Joy para sa Bayan bags

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has apologized for a social media post wherein she lashed out at critics, saying they were not obliged to avail of her projects for the city.

Belmonte also apologized for distributing relief goods in bags marked "Joy para sa Bayan" in apparent reference to her name.

"First, I sincerely apologize for losing my composure on social media. You are correct that all the projects implemented by the QC government belong to you, as they are funded by your taxes," Belmonte said.

"Second, I apologize for distributing health kits branded with 'Joy Para Sa Bayan'. While it is true that my team used leftover donated bags from the previous campaign and that they were the most readily available bags on the first day of ECQ, it is clear that this was highly insensitive given the circumstances. Inaamin ko po na nagkamali ako," she added.

Belmonte said the said actions did "not recognize the public servant that I aspire to be."

"The citizens of Quezon City deserve better. I will do better," Belmonte said.

Belmonte, nonetheless, said that there was a misinformation campaign directed against the Quezon City government "fueled by thousands of paid trolls" even as the entire country dealt with the threat of COVID-19.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to inform you about the ongoing misinformation campaign viciously directed against the QC local government on social media. Our analysis shows that this is fueled by thousands of paid trolls," Belmonte said.

"We appeal to everyone to please be very critical about what you read, like, or share. Huwag po tayong magpadala sa 'fake news' at trolls. Sa halip na tumulong at makiisa sa lungsod para malampasan ang COVID-19, may mga taong sinasamantala ang krisis para sa kanilang pansariling interes," she added.

Belmonte denied that the Quezon City government sent home three COVID-19 patients. She said it was the hospitals that sent them home.

"Sa katunayan, sinundo namin ang mga pasyenteng ito mula sa kanilang tahanan at inilipat sa aming Hope 1 facility," Belmonte said.

Belmonte also denied that the city's food packs were overpriced.

The news outfits that came out with the stories have since corrected their reports, Belmonte said.

"I am disheartened that whoever is funding this misinformation campaign has taken advantage of one of the most difficult times in our history to sow confusion, uncertainty, and distrust," Belmonte said.

"Mahaba pa po ang laban kontra sa COVID-19. Ito po ang panahon na kailangan nating protektahan ang isa’t isa. Kasama ng buong Team QC, kayo po ang aming inspirasyon sa patuloy na paglilingkod." he added. -NB, GMA News