The government should work together with the country’s medical frontliners and healthcare workers in dealing with COVID-19 pandemic, “instead of unnecessarily compounding their troubles with delayed benefits, supply shortages, and undue harsh criticisms and outbursts for their reports and recommendations.”
“We stand on a united front with them, calling on all stakeholders, especially our government, to listen and work with them in ensuring the health of our nation,” the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) said through its President Burt M. Estrada.
The statement was issued in reaction to the online viral video that showed Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque berating a group of doctors who were pushing for stricter COVID-19 measures during a virtual meeting.
“We should stand side by side with our doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers in resolving this pandemic, as they would never leave our side during our darkest hours, even if it means losing their lives in the process,” Estrada said.
He said the IBP recognizes “the vital role which our medical frontliners and healthcare workers discharge in these trying times” and is “grateful for all their efforts amidst the dangers and challenges they face everyday.”
“As our country continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, our medical frontliners and healthcare workers unselfishly and without question perform their sworn duty to save lives,” he stressed.
“Often working long hours attending to the needs of the afflicted and daily risking their very health and safety, these men and women choose to put others’ needs above their own,” he added.