Belmonte takes swipe at Defensor

Mayor Joy Belmonte delivers her campaign speech at the Liwasang Aurora, QC Memorial Circle. QC photo

Reelectionist Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte took swipes at the ticket of Mike Defensor, her main rival in the mayoral race in the city, on Friday, the first day of the local election campaign.

Without naming him, Belmonte flagged the Anakalusugan representative for his distribution of the antiparasitic drug ivermectin, which health authorities have not recommended for COVID-19 patients.

Defensor and Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta led the distribution of ivermectin at Barangay Matandang Balara last year.

“We are still under alert level 1 and the virus’ threat is still there, that is why we still have to be careful,” Belmonte said at her proclamation rally at the Quezon Memorial Circle. “Do not worry, we will never demand you all to take a drug that is not yet approved and is solely for our pet animals.”

Belmonte said that as local chief executive, it was important to lead by example and follow the law.