Senator Ping Lacson expressed his dissatisfaction with the Health Department’s performance in the COVID-19 health crisis.
Lacson said there seems to be no solution in this pandemic due to the DOH’s incompetence.
In a text message, Lacson expressed his concerns after the number of COVID positive cases in the country continues to increase three months since strict quarantine protocols have been implemented.
“It is a basic management principle to base a sound decision on accurate information. Sad to say, this is not the case,” Lacson said.
Senate President Tito Sotto, however, defended the government’s position.
Sotto believes the country is able to cope with the crisis despite the late recognizance of the epidemic, the hard headedness of some Filipinos, and the viciousness of the virus.
“We can criticize but we also just have to try and help,” Sotto said.
For its part, the Health Department explained operational issues in laboratories still persist.
“Ito pong mga operational issues natin, logistics-wise napakalaking bagay po sa amin. Mayroon ho tayong current international shortage on the different logistical supplies na kailangan ng isang laboratoryo na hindi ho madaling makuha sa panahong ito,” Health Usec. Rosario Vergeire said.
[These operational issues, logistics-wise are a big deal for us. We currently have an international shortage on the different logistical supplies needed by a laboratory, which are not easily acquired in these times.]
The DOH said it is also continuously conducting emergency hiring of health human resources to help in the fight against COVID-19.
