Manila Bulletin
Senators: Gov’t patting itself on the back in claiming PH win over COVID-19
Several senators expressed doubts about the government's claim of winning the fight against COVID-19, suggesting it might be self-congratulatory.
Senator Panfilo Lacson questioned the pronouncements from officials like Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque, stating that the government might just be praising itself.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III acknowledged that while the country might be winning the war, there are still areas where success has not been achieved.
Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros urged for honesty regarding the true COVID-19 situation, pointing to the high number of cases, job losses, and inadequate support for healthcare workers as reasons why the country is not yet 'winning'.
Senator Francis Pangilinan stated he would trust the World Health Organization (WHO) more than the executive department's pronouncements.
Senator Imee Marcos attributed the increase in cases to the recent easing of quarantine rules and economic reopening, warning against complacency.
The WHO denied issuing data suggesting the Philippines had the fastest spike in COVID-19 infections in the Western Pacific region.
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World Health Organization (WHO) data indicates that the Philippines has the fastest rise of new COVID-19 cases in the Western Pacific region, with 9,655 new cases recorded between June 16 and June 28.
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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.
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Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque claimed a "small victory" against COVID-19, stating that the Philippines did not reach the University of the Philippines' projection of 40,000 cases by end-June, with the official tally at 37,514.
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Vice President Leni Robredo criticized the government's delayed and complacent COVID-19 response, stating the Philippines is playing catch-up due to early inaction.
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Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año stated that the Philippines is on track in curbing the spread of COVID-19, noting that an increase in positive cases was expected due to enhanced testing capacity.
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