Lawmakers demand accountability from OCTA Research for its projections

MANILA, Philippines — Some lawmakers have expressed their disapproval of OCTA Research’s “commentary” and “media overexposure” while decrying the think tank’s lack of accountability for its COVID-19 projections, which caused “people and businesses to panic.”

House good government and public accountability panel chair and Diwa Rep. Michael Edgar Aglipay called out OCTA Research for its commentaries that are being “misconstrued as policy.”

“You gave a commentary that you wish that the government escalated the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine because it was too loose, you give a commentary. You stepped beyond the science, you stepped beyond the interpretation. You went already for the commentary, which this committee does not appreciate … You should be responsible. Let the data speak for itself. Avoid giving commentaries, which may be misconstrued as policy,” Aglipay said in a hearing of his committee on Monday.

He later clarified that the House committee is not out to “censor” OCTA Research.

“We are not here to censor, we are not here to hinder your right to freedom of speech, we are just here to demand accountability,” Aglipay said.

He made the remarks during a hearing of his panel on OCTA Research’s methodology and expertise in coming up with COVID-19 case projections.

Ranjit Rye and Guido David, both professors at the University of the Philippines, joined the online hearing an hour later.