Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque admits the possibility of placing NCR back to MECQ is not yet off their radar, but is hoping it would not happen through improved cooperation between government and public.
“Hindi naman kasi numero lang ang tinitingnan pagdating sa classification. Ang tinitingnan ‘yung case doubling rate (We are not just looking at the numbers to determine the classification. We are looking at the case doubling rate),” Roque explains.
“Pero ako’y tiwala naman na dahil napaigting na natin ang ating testing, at ang mga mayor po ay naipapakita ang kanilang kakayahan para ma-implement ang granular o localized lockdown, kaya baka naman hindi po kakailanganin (I trust that since we have improved our testing and the mayors showed the ability to implement granular or localized lockdown, it may not be necessary),” he adds.
Meanwhile, Roque said a reply has already been sent to the recommendations of Vice President Robredo even before the New Executive Building (NEB) was placed on lockdown.
The recommendations of the Vice President for COVID-19 response include the presentation of precise and accurate data; providing breakdown and status of medical equipment, programs, and other government actions; ensuring connectivity and providing support to students; and expanding IATF to include experts.
“Pero sa kasamaang palad, lockdown pala ang Office of the Vice President dahil mayroon din silang kaso doon. So lockdown to lockdown ang mga opisina, pero naipadala po namin ang liham namin sa takdang panahon. At sa takdang panahon ay isasapubliko rin namin ang aming kasagutan (Unfortunately, the Office of the Vice President is on lockdown due to a confirmed case. It’s lockdown to lockdown for our offices but we have sent our letter on time. And in due time, we will publicize our response),” Roque disclosed.
Secretary Roque also responded on the recent statement of Senator Leila De Lima that Health Secretary Duque remains in his post so the public can point the blame on someone.
“Eh ni minsan nga hindi naman siya sinisi ng Presidente, so hindi ko maintindihan kung ano ‘yung logic nung sinasabi ni Sen. Leila De Lima (He was never blamed by the President, so I don’t understand the logic behind Sen. Leila De Lima’s statement).” – Report from Mela Lesmoras