Robredo says gov’t officials on same team in war vs. COVID-19

Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday stressed that public officials are all on the same team in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In her weekly radio show, Robredo said government officials should avoid conflicts with one another as the country grapples with the pandemic.

Her statement came after Health Secretary Francisco Duque III faced calls for resignation from several senators who slammed his “failure of leadership” in handling the COVID-19 crisis. 

“Sana iyong away, iyon iyong iwasan natin kasi iyon nga, nasa giyera tayo—magkakampi tayo dito lahat,” she said. “Kaya kung ano man iyong pagkukulang, pag-usapan, maging bukas na tanggapin ito, at sa pagiging bukas ay palitan kung ano iyong mga hindi tamang ginagawa.”

She noted, however, the Duque serves “at the pleasure of the president” and serves as the chief executive's “alter ego.”

The Palace earlier said that Duque will remain as health chief despite the calls for him to step down. 

Robredo also urged her fellow public servants to be open to criticism as it is part of democracy.

“Dapat maging bukas sa criticism, maging bukas sa pagtutuligsa kasi kabahagi ito ng demokrasya at ito ay dapat hindi natin tinitingnan na, parang sa maling paraan. Kasi ito din iyong paraan para nare-remind kami na sa aming mga sinumpaang katungkulan,” she said. — Julia Mari Ornedo/BM, GMA News