Spox Roque clarifies Iloilo COVID surge remarks, promises aid

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque clarified his statement regarding the surge of COVID-19 cases in Iloilo City, asserting that he was not blaming the residents but emphasizing the continued need for health protocols.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas criticized Roque's remarks, stating that the city's surge in infections was due to a lack of vaccines and not public complacency.

Treñas mentioned that Roque's mouth "runs faster than his brain" and questioned his helpfulness in the situation.

Roque had previously attributed the rise in cases in provinces to non-compliance with health protocols and more transmissible variants.

However, both Roque and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. have since called Treñas to inform him that they are looking for solutions to the city's lack of vaccines and other pandemic-related issues.

They also informed Treñas that they would be visiting Iloilo City early next week with needed supplies and solutions.