Franz Pumaren blames rain for lack of social distancing at COVID-19 relief line

Quezon City Councilor Franz Pumaren on Wednesday explained his side on allegations of health protocol violations in his food distribution program in Barangay Old Balara.

Earlier, Quezon City government issued a show cause order to Pumaren, asking him to explain the thousands of attendees who did not follow social distancing in his "Franz Meals on Wheels," which distributed food packs, face masks and bottled water.

In a report of Ian Cruz on  "24 Oras," Pumaren said they were able to get permission from the barangay captain to distribute food items to residents there.

He also said people lining up at the program were organized but rains disrupted the social distancing among participants.

"Unfortunately, rain poured and some left their lines. After the rain ended, they returned to the queues," said Pumaren, in Filipino.

He also apologized if he had lapses in handling the food distribution activity.

"This is not a social event or recreational event. This is one way of giving help to people. If I had lapses, then I 'm very sorry about that," Pumaren said in a mix of Filipino and English.

On the other hand, Old Balara's barangay chairman Allan Franza confirmed that Pumaren's camp sought permission before conducting the event. He said he only allowed residents of Old Balara to receive food packs from the program.

But Franza said he was surprised that thousands joined the program, including those who are not residents of Old Balara.

To prevent community transmission of COVID-19 among residents, authorities imposed self-quarantine for Old Balara residents while they await for mass testing.

One of the residents approved of self-quarantine but placing restrictions for only one area did not sit well with her.

Dr. Rolly Cruz, chief of Q.C. Epidemiology & Disease Surveillance Unit, said residents will undergo self-quarantine for seven days then they will undergo swab testing. —Ma.Consuelo Marquez/NB, GMA News