Celebs dismayed at late-night Duterte address, seek more transparency in COVID-19 measures

President Rodrigo Duterte in his public address on COVID-19. Photo from PCOO

MANILA, Philippines — As President Rodrigo Duterte delivered on Monday his first update on the COVID-19 issue since being granted additional powers, celebrities were among those who waited longer than expected.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo announced Monday that Duterte would address the nation at a “tentative” schedule of 4 p.m., but the speech was aired at around 11 p.m.

Some entertainment personalities voiced their disappointment at the late schedule, while others wished for more specifics such as how the budget was being utilized to tackle the pandemic.

Director Kip Oebanda said on Twitter, “Hindi small issue ang consistent lateness ng press con (The consistent lateness of the press con is not a small issue).”

“It’s a sign that they don’t respect us enough to value our time. That they can’t honor their word, of inefficiency & poor management. If they can’t be efficient in something so small, how they can be efficient in big things?”

https://twitter.com/kipoebanda/status/1244627624007102464?s=19

“Di na talaga ako aasa na on time si Duterte ever,” said actress Lauren Young. (I will no longer rely on Duterte being on time ever.)

Di na talaga ako aasa na on time si Duterte ever.

— Lauren Young (@loyoung) March 30, 2020

“Hay. Nakakalungkot. Kung essay yun sa exam, hindi papasa. Wala naman yatang nasagot sa mga tanong ng bayan. I appreciate the visibility but that means nothing without transparency. Anong plano? Hindi naman pwedeng tiwala lang,” said actress Janine Gutierrez.

Hay. Nakakalungkot. Kung essay yun sa exam, hindi papasa. Wala naman yatang nasagot sa mga tanong ng bayan. I appreciate the visibility but that means nothing without transparency. Anong plano? Hindi naman pwedeng tiwala lang.

— nini (@janinegutierrez) March 30, 2020

(Hay. [This is] saddening. If this were an essay in an exam, it would not pass. It does not seem to have answered the nation’s questions. I appreciate the visibility but that means nothing without transparency. What’s the plan? We cannot just [rely on] faith.)

TV host Bianca Gonzalez suggested for a “detailed update” of the over P200-billion fund twice or thrice a week.

“Kahit listahan po na official. Para lang po alam ng mga taong nangangailangan ang tulong na dumating at dadating. Please po,” she said.

(Even if it is just an official list. Just so the people who need help know that it came and will come. Please.)

March 31: Petition for government to release an official detailed update on the progress and projects of the P250B++ funds 2 to 3 times a week.

Kahit listahan po na official. Para lang po alam ng mga taong nangangailangan ang tulong na dumating at dadating. Please po. 🙏🏼

— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) March 31, 2020

Actor Bart Guingona wondered, “Where is the report on expenses? On concrete measures being undertaken? On strategic plans? Why oh why are we left with someone who feels the need to ingratiate himself to the criminal Chinese government every time he speaks?”

Where is the report on expenses? On concrete measures being undertaken? On strategic plans? Why oh why are we left with someone who feels the need to ingratiate himself to the criminal Chinese government every time he speaks?

— Bart Guingona (@guingonabart) March 31, 2020

Actor Juan Miguel Severo was dismayed too when Duterte said that health professionals were “lucky” to die for the country in their line of work.

“Bayani ang lahat ng health workers pero di nila kailangang maging martir. At iba ang namatay para sa bayan sa namatay dahil sa gobyerno ha,” he said.

(All health workers are heroes but they do not need to be martyrs. It is also different to die for the nation and die because of the government.)

https://twitter.com/TheRainBro/status/1244654735631585280

The House and Senate confirmed on Tuesday morning that the President submitted his first weekly report to them on how additional powers were being used to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Edited by JPV