Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the Malacañang thanks Vice President Leni Robredo’s suggestions on COVID-19 response, but he said there was nothing new on them.
Robredo has sent a letter to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque giving suggestions to improve the government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Some of the issues Vice President tackled in her letter are local stranded individuals (LSIs), the government’s testing program, adoption of service contracting for jeepney drivers, procurement of testing kits, and Department of Health’s reporting of fresh and late cases.
” Lahat ng suggestions ko sinulat ko. Natutuwa ako kasi mayroong mga iba na mukhang kino-consider naman,” she said.
(I wrote all of my suggestions. I’m happy because some of them are being considered.)
Also read: Robredo: Renaming NAIA amid pandemic ‘ill-timed’
“I’m about to send my response to her letter today, and my response is all her suggestions, we’ve long implemented,” Roque said in a CNN Philippines interview.
“Thank you very much, [the] IATF has long recommended all of your suggestions. There is nothing new in her recommendation,” he added.
Robredo, in her letter, questioned the DOH’s system of reporting, saying she does not understand the logic behind it.
She likewise recommended the procurement of 10 million testing kits must also cover the LSIs.
“Mayroong minemention si (testing czar) Secretary (Vince) Dizon na mga itetest pero hindi ko nakikita doon iyong mga stranded. Sana maisali, kabahagi din ito ng ating sulat,” she said.
(Dizon mentioned those who will be tested, but I don’t see there those stranded. I hope they will be included.)
Robredo also urged the IATF to include the League of Cities of the Philippines in the body. Still, Roque said the task force would continue the policy of inviting local officials as resource persons.
“We always consult them,” he said.
“We’ve welcomed all her contributions. I don’t think it’s an issue if she can help. She can do whatever she has been doing, and it’s very much appreciated,” Roque said when asked to comment on Robredo’s statement that she is willing to work with the administration for its COVID-19 response.
As of July 15, the Philippines recorded 58,850 cases of COVID-19, 1,614 deaths, and 20,976 recoveries.