PRESIDENTIAL Spokesperson Harry Roque on Friday has apologized for throwing a fit during an Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) meeting with a doctor who pleaded to impose stringent restrictions for Metro Manila amid the surging cases of COVID-19.
In a controversial viral video, Roque can be seen pointing fingers and raising his voice towards Dr. Maricar Limpin, President of the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP), who opposed the IATF’s decision to ease Metro Manila lockdown in the height of COVID-19 cases caused by the highly transmissible Delta variant.
“We employed the entire government approach thinking about economic ramifications, thinking about the people (who) will go hungry. It does not mean that we care any less,” Roque shouted out during the September 7 meeting.
“Let me point out to everyone, this group, they have never said anything good about the government’s response,” he exasperatingly said.
Soon after the video went viral online, Roque admitted that he was not able to mince his words, albeit true as he believed, and said it in a manner he is now regretting for.
The spokesman, however, stressed that IATF discussions must be held in a private manner as only then could experts establish proper discourse and concrete policies. Roque—left with no choice—eventually shrugged it off and accepted that the video has already been leaked.
The Palace official defended himself, saying his behavior sprang after Dr. Limpin herself went emotional while appealing for the task force to implement a “real and hard” enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
He further expressed that his remark had to be said to prevent poor Filipinos experience more sufferings due to the continuing lockdowns.
“Well, unang una po, kinukumpirma ko po na tayo ay naging emosyonal at pasensya naman po kayo, tao lamang doon sa rekomendasyon ng dalawang doktor, si Dr. Limpin at si Dr. Dans na mag-impose ng hard ECQ lockdown. At naging emosyonal din po si Dr. Limpin at napaiyak, doon po ako naging emosyonal kasi para namang importante rin po na marinig ‘yong damdamin ng mga maliliit na tao nating mga kababayan na nagugutom na po dahil parating pag-lockdown,” he said in an online press briefing.
“Kung mayroon po akong na-offend sa aking pananalita, well, humihingi po ako ng abiso pero kinakailangan na pong pakinggan natin ang boses ng mga hindi naririnig sa IATF, ang hanay na naghihirap at nagugutom,” he added.
While for Roque, his reaction is natural for the welfare of ordinary individuals in dire situation of hunger and unemployment, critics said it was “uncalled for” and a blatant attack against medical experts who had a fair share of concern for Filipinos.
“You invite leaders in the medical field to give insights and humiliate them when they don’t massage your ego. Sec. Roque, is this how you treat our modern-day heroes? Remember, they are the medical experts, not you,” Bayan Muna Chairman Neri Colmenares emphasized.
Following the strain COVID-19 puts in the country’s healthcare system, medical groups and experts have been consistent in giving warnings about potential consequences the capital region might face once it remains to be complacent on its community lockdown.