Rep Zarate slams Roque, Sinas for pandemic 'pasaway' behavior

Bayan Muna party-list Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate criticized Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque and PNP chief General Debold Sinas for their alleged "pasaway" or stubborn behavior, particularly their travels and attendance at public gatherings despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Zarate accused Roque and Sinas of being the ultimate example of "pasaway" for their various activities, including interacting with dolphins, going out without a face mask or shield, attending fiestas, and a birthday party.

Roque announced his positive COVID-19 diagnosis on Monday, while Sinas tested positive for the virus last week.

The lawmaker also pointed out that Roque reportedly went to his office on Monday despite having undergone COVID-19 testing the previous day, potentially endangering his officemates.

Zarate questioned their actions, especially as government officials who are expected to lecture ordinary citizens on following health protocols.

He stated that if full capacity hospital wards, spiking numbers of COVID-19 infected persons, lack of mass testing, and delayed vaccination are the administration's definition of "excellent" pandemic response, then the country is in for a worse situation.