“Huwag po kayong matakot kasi hindi ako nag-aapply. Nakakatawa lang kasi nakikita kung sino ‘yung natatakot eh,” Vice President Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo said in her weekly radio show on Sunday, responding to Malacañang’s quip saying she does not need a position in the COVID-19 task force to help the country in battling its effects.
[Do not be afraid because I am not applying to any post. I just find it funny because it shows who are seemingly afraid.]
Robredo did not mention names, but hinted at some government officials who responded to the challenge of former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Friday to have Malacañang appoint her as head of the IATF.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque had turn down Trillanes’ suggestion, saying that there is no need for Robredo to be appointed if she really has genuine intentions.
“Unang una, hindi ko naman kailangan ng posisyon para tumulong. Nakita naman sa trabaho natin mula day one. Dati nga hindi pa tayo inaappoint sa Cabinet, marami na tayong ginagawa,” she said.
[First of all, I don’t need a position to help out. It can be proven in our efforts since day one. Even before getting a Cabinet position, we have done a lot of things.]
Even Duterte has recognized and lauded Robredo for seeking help from private companies that could help in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Office of the Vice President has been doing nonstop work in helping out over the past months in generating funds to assist frontliners, health workers, and local communities, among others. She has also distributed test kits and protective gears to hospitals, and food and care packs for those hit by the pandemic.
