Palace disputes WHO report on PH Covid-19 case rise

Malacañang disputed a World Health Organization (WHO) report stating that the Philippines experienced the fastest rise in COVID-19 cases in the Western Pacific region.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque argued that the WHO report failed to consider population size and presented alternative data adjusting for cases per million population, ranking the Philippines sixth in the region.

However, social media users pointed out that several countries cited by Roque, such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, are not part of the WHO Western Pacific region.

Furthermore, Roque's presentation reportedly highlighted total cases instead of new infections, contrary to the WHO's observation.

Roque maintained that the cited countries are still Asian and that the Philippines did not have the fastest rise in COVID-19 cases in the region.

He added that the government is balancing public health protection with the public's right to earn a living.