DILG distances self from Densing's 'si lugaw' remark

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday distanced itself from the controversial "si lugaw" remark made by one of its officials, Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III, that has been widely criticized by the public.

"The views expressed by Usec. Densing is not the official stand of the DILG," DILG spokesman Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said in a message to GMA News Online when asked to comment on Densing's statement.

Densing made the "si lugaw" remark during an interview in One PH where he was asked to comment on the incident where a rider was barred from delivering lugaw by a barangay official amid the enhanced community quarantine.

The barangay official said porridge is not considered essential.

Lugaw has been associated with Vice President Leni Robredo by her critics as her supporters sold the food to raise funds for her candidacy in the 2016 national elections.

During that interview, Densing said "si lugaw" was not essential.

He earlier told GMA News Online that his statement was made in jest, but added that Robredo is not important and not helping in this time of pandemic because of her criticisms against the government.

Meanwhile, Malaya reminded the public that food has always been essential in this time of strict quarantine protocols. Food deliveries must not be barred, he said.

"We wish to reiterate that since food is essential, and lugaw is food, then lugaw is essential. All types of food delivery should be allowed entry or passage by all checkpoints especially by barangays who are under their respective punong barangays and the LGUs," Malaya said. —KBK, GMA News