MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte remains the country’s best communicator despite allegations that his statements about apprehending and escorting unvaccinated individuals spurred a rush to COVID-19 vaccination facilities.
This was the insistence made by Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque during Malacañang’s Monday briefing, after questions were raised about whether there should be changes in the government’s approach to communicating matters related to the pandemic.
“Wala pong pagkakamali ang ating Presidente sa kanyang pananalita. At kung paniniwalaan po natin ang mga survey, the President remains to be the best communicator and the best positive communicator in the country today,” Roque said.
According to Roque, assumptions that Duterte’s remarks led to individuals panicking about getting COVID-19 vaccines is merely an attempt to put “color” in his clear reminder to those unvaccinated that are part of the priority group.
“Conclusion na lang po ‘yan, no’ng sinabi po ‘yan ng Presidente Lunes pa no’ng nakalipas na linggo, eh nagkaroon naman ng siksikan Biyernes (Huwebes) na. So wala po kinalaman ‘yang sinabi ni Presidente no,” he claimed
“So ‘wag nating lagyan ng kulay ‘yong mga sinasabi ni Presidente […] ngayon wala po tayong magagawa kung talagang lalagyan niyo ng kulay,” he added.
Last Thursday — a day before the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) status over Metro Manila took effect — people rushed to various vaccination facilities, particularly in Manila, Las Piñas, and Antipolo in disregard of distancing protocols against COVID-19.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said last Friday that “someone” made reckless statements and threats against individuals who are unvaccinated against COVID-19, triggering public fear about not being able to go out with out receiving the vaccine jabs.
READ: Reckless statements behind jab panic: If that ‘somebody’ is Duterte
Moreno did not name anyone, but it appears he was referring to Duterte’s statement about asking authorities to escort back individuals to their homes if they continue their refusal to get vaccinated.
The local executive, when asked by reporters in Manila’s official group chat about who he was referring to, sent out a video of Duterte making such remarks. In the past, Duterte also threatened to arrest those who did not want to get vaccinated.
READ: Duterte not worried about persons going out if already vaccinated vs COVID-19
Roque maintained that the blame should not be put on Duterte as it is the local governments’ responsibility to maintain orderly vaccination of individuals.
“Wala po kaming sinisisi ha, pero ‘yong mga lokal na pamahalaan, ‘wag naman kayo magbabaling ng pula sa ating Presidente dahil the bottomline is, katungkulan niyo pa rin na kayo ang magpatupad ng maayos at makataong pagbabakunahan,” he said.