Senators say frontliners, not Duque, are heroes in pandemic

Several Filipino senators, including Vicente Sotto III, Sherwin Gatchalian, and Grace Poe, believe that frontliners, not solely Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, are the true heroes in the nation's battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

This sentiment was a response to President Rodrigo Duterte's assertion that the country's pandemic response was successful and his praise for Duque.

Senator Risa Hontiveros also rejected President Duterte's belief, stating that the country needs accountability from government officials, not recognition for Duque.

Hontiveros criticized the administration's "weekly awarding ceremonies" and "cover-ups" on national television while the number of hungry, sick, and dying increases due to a failed COVID-19 response.

She added that an appointed health secretary's incompetence affects the lives of the people, as they are not elected by the public.

Poe emphasized that efficient governance and social services are essential to support the vulnerable population, serving as a way to give back to the frontliners.