TAKING cue from the sarcasm openly expressed by former Vice President Jejomar Binay and sitting Senator Panfilo Lacson, Malacañang said that the proliferation of community pantries offering free food doesn’t seem to speak well of condemnation of the government or its failure to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a press briefing, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque instead hinted at the viral acts of kindness as a manifestation of what Filipinos are.
“It shows the best of the Filipino. It is part of our psyche to help one another. I don’t see it as a condemnation of the government. It shows the best of us during the worst of times,” said Roque.
Binay earlier hinted at the government’s dismal failure to address public concerns as the compelling reason behind the emergence of community pantries, which started on Maginhawa Street in Quezon City. Lacson, for his part, said that the spontaneous community sharing is a manifestation of desperation.
Government-imposed restrictions, which has been in effect for more than a year, resulted in job losses, which translated to hunger and extreme difficulties.
Oddly though, Roque sees it differently — “We disagree. This shows na bayanihan ang umiiral, hindi bangayan,” he added.