MANILA, Philippines — Government officials who have earned the ire of the public for some gaffe in this period of national crisis have found an unlikely ally in actress Angel Locsin.
In a Tweet Tuesday, Locsin, while known to throw a brick or two at government inefficiencies in the past, also gave props to government’s efforts, as she reminded her followers that the help being extended by ordinary citizens should not be compared with the aid being provided by government in a bid to eradicating the dreaded coronavirus disease or COVID-19.
In times like these, let’s stop comparing help from regular citizens and government. To be honest, based on my experience, it would be VERY hard to help without the assistance of government. So, Thank you to our local officials for assisting us and risking their lives as well
— Angel Locsin (@143redangel) March 24, 2020
The actress, known for her philanthropic works, said: “In times like these, let’s stop comparing help from regular citizens and government. To be honest, based on my experience, it would be VERY hard to help without the assistance of the government. So, Thank you to our local officials for assisting us and risking their lives as well.”
Her volunteer efforts have earned her praise but have also sparked comments calling out the government over its actions during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
One Twitter user, @scorsaguin, said that Locsin was doing more than the national government.
mas marami pang ginagawa si angel locsin kaysa sa national govt
— Just Sagittarius Things (@scorsaguin) March 24, 2020
A certain @jvcious tagged the Twitter accounts of Congress and Senate to say, “Kung puro Angel sana nasa kongreso, di sana mauubusan ng PPE’s at marami sanang Covid19 testing kits.”
(If Congress was filled with people like Angel, PPEs would not run out and there would be a lot of [COVID-19] testing kits.)
@senatePH @HouseofRepsPH hiyang-hiya sa inyo si Ms. Angel Locsin! Kung puro Angel sana nasa kongreso, di sana mauubusan ng PPE's at marami sanang Covid19 testing kits. @ABSCBNNews @gmanews #NoToEmergencyPowers #DuterteResign
— JV (@jvcious) March 24, 2020
Government officials have recently been criticized for taking COVID-19 tests despite having no symptoms. The Department of Health (DOH) said that most were complying with DOH guidelines on getting tested.
The “Darna” star’s recent charitable act involved setting up air-conditioned sleeping quarters for health workers in Taguig after calling for donations of foldable beds and beddings.
She has also been continuously calling for donations on social media, whether for funds or for ways to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) that can be given to frontliners.
READ: Angel Locsin urges gov’t to offer financial support to workers affected by community quarantine