Filtered By: Topstories
News

Roque on health workers opposing Duterte’s pandemic response: What planet are they on?


Malacañang on Tuesday hit back at health workers criticizing President Rodrigo Duterte’s COVID-19 response, saying that they are in the minority.

“Di ko alam saang planeta nakatira ang mga health workers na ayaw kay Presidente,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

[I don't know what planet they're on, the health workers who don't like the President.]

"Buong daigdig ang sinasalanta ng ganitong problema. 'Di lang tayo ang nasa third wave, kalat na ang Delta variant,” he added.

[The whole world is experiencing this problem. We're not the only ones in the third wave; the Delta variant is widespread.]

Roque was responding to the statement of Medical Action Group (MAG) chairperson Dr. Nemuel Fajutagana, who said that the President and his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, have no right to run for a national post in May 2022 polls, considering that the Duterte administration's pandemic response has been marred by issues such as the misuse and underutilization of funds; the snail-paced vaccination rate; and the delayed release of health workers’ special risk allowances.

Roque then said that MAG is a small group and that health workers are largely in favor of the President’s COVID-19 response.

“Maliit na grupo...[they are a small group]. They are entitled to their opinion, but other medical health workers are thankful that they are receiving benefits due them and our recognition of the tough situation our health workers are in amid the pandemic,” Roque added.

President Duterte has said he is running for Vice President in the 2022 polls.

His daughter Sara, on the other hand, has also said that she is considering a 2022 Presidential bid. — BM, GMA News

LOADING CONTENT