Villanueva, Escudero on DOH data: We’re being fooled, we deserve better

Senator Joel Villanueva and Sorsogon Governor Francis "Chiz" Escudero on Thursday said Filipinos deserve better and that they are fooled by the Department of Health (DOH) amid a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

The statements were issued after the country logged a record-high of 3,954 new COVID cases and 38,075 new recoveries.

“Wow 38k recoveries in 1 day only shows there's a problem with data interpretation. Worse, it's giving people a false sense of security,” Villanueva said on Twitter.

“Imbes na mass testing, naging mass recovery. ‘Yung reporting style ng DOH, mas malala pa sa pagbago-bago ng panahon #DOHunreliable #WeAreBeingFooled.”

Wow 38k recoveries in 1 day only shows there's a problem with data interpretation. Worse, it's giving people a false sense of security. Imbes na mass testing, naging mass recovery. ????‍?? #DOHunreliable #WeAreBeingFooled

— Joel Villanueva (@senatorjoelv) July 30, 2020

The DOH said its massive data harmonization efforts led to the identification of 37,166 additional recoveries on top of the 909 newly validated recoveries reported by regional and epidemiological surveillance units for July 30. 

The same efforts were also behind the record-high 3,954 new infections recorded Thursday, the agency said.

“After recording the highest one-day Covid-19 positive new cases of 3,954, the Department of Health reports a 38,075 'mass recovery adjustment' to include mild/asymptomatic cases. This is ‘only in the Philippines’ and is intolerable and insulting!” Escudero said on Facebook.

He also called on President Rodrigo Duterte to replace Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.

“PRRD: Sir, please fire Sec. Duque! You/we/I deserve better po!” Escudero said.

Senators earlier sought Duque’s resignation over his “failure of leadership” and blunders on the supposed second wave of infections and flattening of the curve.

Despite these calls, Duterte has repeatedly expressed support for Duque.

The Philippines has recorded a total of 89,374 COVID-19 cases with 65,078 recoveries and 1,983 deaths as of Thursday afternoon.

"People are anxious and tired. Huwag na dagdagan," Senator Risa Hontiveros said on Twitter as she tagged the DOH.

People are anxious & tired. Huwag na dagdagan, @DOHgovph.

Nakakalito at nakakaduda ang papalit-palit na reporting system sa COVID. Pati ang kabagalan ng pag-collate at pagreport, ngayon pati sa recovered cases.

Clear communication is what will earn the people's trust.

— risa hontiveros (@risahontiveros) July 30, 2020

"Nakakalito at nakakaduda ang papalit-palit na reporting system sa COVID. Pati ang kabagalan ng pag-collate at pagreport, ngayon pati sa recovered cases," Hontiveros said.

"Clear communication is what will earn the people's trust," she added. -BAP/NB, GMA News