Roque, Pacquiao welcome possible probe into mass gatherings attended

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and Senator Manny Pacquiao's camp on Sunday welcomed a fact-finding investigation into mass gatherings they attended where social distancing protocols were supposedly violated.

"I welcome that [fact-finding investigation] to confirm that I was a mere guest and reminded people to wear mask, hugas and iwas," Roque told GMA News Online.

He was asked for comment on Interior Secretary Eduardo Año's remark regarding a probe into the gathering in Cebu the Palace official attended.

Roque on Friday delivered a speech before a large crowd in Cebu for the opening of the Bantayan Island Airport, although he said he too was surprised by the volume of people in attendance.

“The activity where I was seen speaking before a crowd was organized by the local government, which I had no control as a guest,” Roque said.

“I was later informed, that the local official(s) mentioned in interview(s) that they did not expect the huge turnout of people as well,” he added.

On the other hand, Pacquiao's special assistant Jake Joson, in a statement given to media, also welcomed a possible investigation into the senator's visit a Batangas mass gathering that also supposedly failed to observe social distancing.

"We welcome any investigation related to claims that quarantine protocols were violated when we went to Batangas to distribute relief  and early Christmas gifts for the people who have suffered so much during the Taal Volcano eruption and the series of typhoons that hit Luzon [recently]," Joson said.

"Before that, we also distributed relief and financial aid for the fire victims in Bacoor [Cavite] and flood victims in Rizal province and in Marikina City," he added.

Supposed screenshots of Pacquaio's wife Jinkee's Instagram stories went viral on social media showing the senator speaking to a crowd in Batangas that seemingly did not follow social distancing protocols.

Joson, however, said during these events, they tried to ensure that social distancing and health safety protocols were strictly observed.

He added that marshals were assigned to make sure that the requirements of the National Task Force on COVID-19 on physical gatherings were met, and physical arrangements for these events were pre-inspected to ensure social distancing.

Attendees were likewise checked for face masks and face shields, he continued.

"If and when there were some photos and videos showing what it seems to be violations of the quarantine protocols, I can assure you that these do not reflect the real situation on ground," Joson said.

"We were all mindful of the protocols as we tried the best we can to reach out to all those who came and share the little blessing that we have," he added. —LBG, GMA News