MANILA – Malacañang showed appreciation on Wednesday for Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo’s efforts to assist the government in combating the coronavirus pandemic 2019 (Covid-19).
This comes after Robredo praised her office’s anti-Covid-19 activities during her “Ulat sa Bayan” speech.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement that the Palace never ignored Robredo’s efforts to help the Filipino people in the midst of the Covid-19 outbreak.
“We welcome the initiatives of the Vice President in the fight against Covid-19, which she enumerated in her Ulat sa Bayan and we are in no way diminishing her efforts in this trying time,” Roque said.
Despite a limited budget, Robredo hailed her office’s achievements in assisting front-line workers and the Filipino people throughout the pandemic in her Ulat sa Bayan address on Tuesday.
Front-line workers have received free shuttle services and temporary shelters, as well as personal protective equipment, medical supplies, food, and comfort packages from her office, according to Robredo.
She also talked about her Covid-19 initiatives, which include a vaccination drive-through testing, mobile antigen testing, and telemedicine consultations.
Robredo stated that assisting Filipinos at this difficult time of Covid-19 would alleviate their suffering.
In order to battle the coronavirus, Roque said the Palace welcomes any contribution, as well as policy ideas, from everyone, including Robredo and her opposition allies.
“Any contribution, including policy recommendations from the political opposition, to ensure the successful fight against the pandemic, is much appreciated,” he said.
Roque also agreed with Robredo that it is beyond time to help Filipinos affected by the virus.
“In fact, in his last State of the Nation Address, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte personally paid tribute to Filipinos who have provided essential health services, have made our food chain supply running, have boosted economic activity, and have ensured peace and order in our communities during this pandemic,” he said.
As Filipinos unite to stop the spread of Covid-19, Roque expressed optimism for a “happy” Christmas and a “better” future for the entire country.
“We reiterate: Now is the time to focus on Covid-19 and help the national government in achieving population protection; so together, we will recover and have a happy Christmas and a better future for all Filipinos,” he said.
On Tuesday, the Philippines recorded an additional 7,186 Covid-19 cases, increasing the total number of cases in the country to 1,562,420.
