Panelo clarifies 'walang namamatay sa gutom' remark

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Monday responded to criticisms about his statement that nobody will die of hunger during the month-long quarantine of Metro Manila to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

At a news conference in Malacañang, Panelo said a person can turn to family, neighbors and the government in case of food shortage during the quarantine period, which restricted travel to and from Metro Manila from March 15 to April 14.

“When I said that, ang ibig ko pong sabihin doon, kasi ine-exaggerate nila ang problema ng hindi pagpasok [sa Metro Manila] eh, hindi naman talaga tayo mamamatay sa gutom. Mas mamamatay tayo sa virus. Immediate pa,” he said.

“Mas matindi 'yung panganib na nakaamba sa atin ngayon.”

Panelo made the controversial remark in a radio interview on Sunday as he downplayed concerns of Metro Manila employees living outside the region, whose livelihoods might be affected by the implementation of the community quarantine.

While non-essential travels are banned, workers would be allowed in and out of Metro Manila as long as they could show their company ID or any proof of employment.

The movement of goods to and from Metro Manila would not be affected by the quarantine. --KBK, GMA News