VP Leni criticizes gov't COVID-19 response

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.

She pointed out the administration's hesitation in canceling flights from China and lax implementation of protocols when the first cases were recorded.

Robredo highlighted the apparent slowness in procuring personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical frontliners, which has been linked to the deaths of many healthcare workers.

While Health Secretary Francisco Duque III claimed they were not late in buying PPEs, Robredo argued that any delay compared to other countries meant they were already behind.

Robredo found President Duterte's weekly reports to Congress inadequate, emphasizing the need for transparency regarding actions and expenditures during the period of special powers.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque defended the government's response, stating that the Philippines could have had millions of infections and at least 200,000 deaths without the nationwide lockdown.

Roque acknowledged that while the government's steps were correct, they continually strive to improve and explore new strategies.