As if Philippines has no leader amid COVID-19, says Robredo

August 25 ------ Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday night accused the Duterte administration of having no clear direction as the country grapples with the impact on Filipinos of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a 20-minute speech, Robredo also raised the issue of confidence amid the national health emergency as the government officials faced allegations of corruption from overpriced PPEs to billions of pesos in questionable cash advances to hospitals.

“Let me emphasize: Confidence keeps the economy rolling. And the truth is, even before the pandemic, our economy could not reach its full potential because of lack of confidence.... This is why, especially now that we are grappling with a pandemic, the last thing that we need is even more instances that erode confidence,” she said.

“How can there be confidence when we are unsure of where funds are going? How can there be confidence when every time the leadership holds a press conference, clarity is in short supply? Clearly, the people are willing to man the oars; what we need is someone to point us towards the proper direction. Someone to steer the ship of state,” she added.

The Vice President stressed: “Many hold a sentiment that is not difficult to understand: It’s as if no one is at the helm, no direction, no clear horizon as to when and how this pandemic will be addressed.” “It’s as if we’ve been handed a bit of assistance, then left to fend for ourselves, locked in our homes, living in fear. As if we should shoulder the blame of infections and death, for being too undisciplined, as we have been called. As if we have nothing to expect from our leaders—or there are no leaders at all. As if we have been left to fend for ourselves,” she said.

Source: gmanetwork.com