It may take some time before the healthcare workers deployment ban may be lifted. While some quarters are pushing for the lifting of the moratorium, Malacañang insists it is the right thing to do in this given time.
“Wala po siguro kasi napag-usapan po ‘yan sa IATF (There is nothing definite yet because this was taken-up with the IATF) and we all concurred with the opinion of the President,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque disclosed.
However, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. is pushing for the healthcare workers to be deployed as part of their constitutional right.
The Palace respects the opinion of the DFA Secretary although the decision remains to keep the healthcare workers in the country for their safety.
“Ang pangunahing dahilan po kung bakit ipinagbawal ng Presidente ay we’re number 22 in the world in COVID cases at sigurado ako lahat ng gustong magtrabaho abroad is going to places na mas marami pa pong kaso ng COVID. (The primary reason of the President to ban deployment is we’re number 22 in the world in COVID cases and I am sure that all those who want to work abroad are going to places with more COVID cases). So it is to protect the health and lives of our frontliners primarily. Secondary po ‘yung our need for nurses and medical professionals in this country.” Sec. Roque has pointed out.
Report from Naomi Tiburcio
