Duterte slams Robredo's COVID-19 response criticism

President Rodrigo Duterte, through Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, admonished Vice President Leni Robredo for her criticisms regarding the government's COVID-19 pandemic response, urging her to set aside politics and help.

Duterte stated that Robredo's criticisms were adding "fuel to the fire" and could potentially "destroy the government."

Roque emphasized that Duterte recognizes Robredo's assistance to the public but wants her to focus on helping the people during these trying times, stating that it is easier to criticize when not in the middle of the pandemic.

Robredo had remarked that the country needed "someone to steer the ship of the state" because "it's as if no one is at the helm, no direction, no clear horizon as to when and how this pandemic will be addressed."

Roque strongly disagreed with Robredo's assessment, asserting that the President's plans to fight Covid-19 are already being implemented.

The President's plea was for unity during the pandemic and to set aside politics until the 2022 elections, asking for help for the Filipino people.