Roque says Philippines still winning vs. COVID-19 despite DOH concern

Malacañang on Tuesday insisted that the Philippines is “winning” the fight against COVID-19 despite the continued spike in cases.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque gave the reaction following the latest report that the Philippines is now the country with the second-highest number of cases in Southeast Asia.

“Naniniwala pa rin po ako at nais kong maniwala na tayo ay nagwawagi pa rin dahil nga po napababa natin ang mga namamatay sa sakit na ito, napababa natin ang pagkalat ng sakit na ito,” he said in a televised briefing.

“I will always say, we are winning against COVID-19. Siguro po doon sa mga ayaw maniwalang nananalo tayo, sige po sa inyong mga personal na paninindigan, tanggapin po ninyo iyon.”

Indonesia leads Southeast Asian countries in terms of COVID-19 cases with 64,958 as of Monday, followed by the Philippines (46,333) and Singapore (44,983). The Philippines posted a new single-day high of 2,434 cases on Sunday.

Roque said the increase in COVID-19 cases was expected and should not be a cause for alarm.

“Wala naman pong dahilan para mabahala, kinakailangan lang po talaga ipatupad natin iyong siguradong mga armas natin laban sa COVID-19 – wearing of mask, social distancing and paghuhugas ng kamay, at pananatiling malusog,” he said.

“Habang hindi po namamatay ang tao, habang mayroon po tayong kapasidad na magbigay ng medical na lunas sa mga nagkakasakit, hindi ko po matatanggap na tayo po ay hindi nananalo  dito sa sakit na ito.”

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, however, believed the increasing number of infections should be a cause for concern.

Last week, Roque drew criticism for declaring “victory” after the number of cases did not reach 40,000 by June 30 as earlier predicted by experts from the University of the Philippines, his alma mater where he taught law for 15 years. -NB, GMA News