President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo. Image: Presidential photo/King Rodriguez, INQUIRER.net file photo/Noy Morcoso
MANILA, Philippines – Comedienne Pokwang lauded President Rodrigo Duterte for acknowledging Vice President Leni Robredo’s initiatives to extend assistance to people affected by enhanced community quarantine due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis.
Pokwang’s sentiments come after celebrities voiced concerns about the government’s response, including the President’s controversial statements against protesters in depressed communities seeking aid.
Duterte last Friday slammed the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission’s (PACC) move to investigate Robredo for “competing with the national government’s efforts against the pandemic”.
He also fired PACC Commissioner Manuelito Luna who wanted Robredo investigated.
Pokwang shared on Instagram Saturday a quote from Duterte’s speech where he questioned the PACC’s proposed investigation.
“May panahon na criticize ko si Leni. Pero itong panahong ito, wala naman kasalanan ‘yong Vice President, nag ano nga magtulong. Bakit mo paimbestiga?”
(There are times when I have criticized Leni. But this time, the Vice President has no fault, she is even helping. Why will you have her investigated?)
“Bukod sa [mga nakakarecover] sa [COVID]-19, isa ito sa [napakagandang] balita at tanawin sa mga social media,” she said.
(Aside from those recovering from COVID-19, this is one of the best news to see on social media.)
“Salamat po Mr. President,” Pokwang wrote. “Sana laging ganito.” (Thank you Mr. President. I hope it is always like this.)
Some celebrities voiced their support in the comments section.
“Sa wakas (Finally),” said actress Angelica Panganiban, who recently expressed regret for endorsing Duterte in the 2016 elections
“Solidarity,” said Kakai Bautista.
The Office of the Vice President has raised over P40 million to aid frontliners in the war against COVID-19 as of March 31.
Efforts of the office include a free shuttle service and dormitories for health workers and frontliners, as well as the production of personal protective equipment (PPE) together with local fashion designers