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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Pen Medina's statement on face masks receives backlash

Pen Medina's statement on face masks receives backlash

Published Aug 27, 2021 01:01 pm

Many were disappointed with Pen Medina saying face masks are ineffective against COVID-19.

Among them is former TV host Kiko Rustia.

"Idol ko pa naman to sa teatro at tv (sad face)," he wrote on Twitter.

Note that the 71-year-old star, who's celebrating his birthday today Aug. 27, was spotted in a protest at the Senate as led by the Gising Maharlika group.

They are saying no to mandatory vaccination as with lockdowns.

In a video uploaded by DZBB Super Radyo Sam Nielsen, he asked Pen why he's against the use of face masks during this pandemic.

"Napag-aralan ko na. Kasi po ang face mask malalaki ang hibla niyan, yun pong coronavirus, ang mga virus, maliliit po," said he. "Kumbaga hindi pa rin ito na identified. Kumbaga sa lineup ng pulis hindi pa na pinpoint kung sino yung kriminal na virus."

"Ito pong virus na ito, para kang naghahanap sa buhangin, sa isang beach na pagkarami-raming buhangin, at yung buhangin microscopic, di mo siya makikita sa mata mo lang. Kailangan gumamit (ng microscope)... Hindi pa po nila nakikita yan, tas may sinasabi ng variant... At yan po ay lulusot po, kahit na anong mask. Dahil sobrang, sobrang pagkaliit-liit."

Netizens quickly attacked Pen.

"Mr. Pen Medina, how dare you! Hindi ka eksperto sa larangan ng infectious disease," said one.

Another added: "Ay wow. So you want people to discredit the recommendations of intelligent doctors, scientists, virologist from the World health, hospitals, research facilities, etc to wear masks for protection? Who are you?? lol."

Others reiterated that Pen's statement is "dangerous" particularly because of his influence as a celebrity.

"This is dangerous... lalu na... kung little to zero knowledge sya about this topic. Ako na well informed na at asawa ko na medical doctor... maraming hindi alam about this topic.. sya pa kaya."

other netizens deemed his pronouncement "absurd."

"Our healthcare workers are literally fighting for their lives, dahil wala naman talagang tumutulong sa kanila. Pinapabayaan sila ng gobyerno. Let’s do everything we can to help them."

Note that World Health Organization (WHO) said that masks should be used as part of a comprehensive strategy of measures to suppress COVID-19 transmission and save lives.

Though they noted that the use of a mask alone is not sufficient to provide an adequate level of protection against COVID-19.

It said, "If COVID-19 is spreading in your community, stay safe by taking some simple precautions, such as physical distancing, wearing a mask, keeping rooms well ventilated, avoiding crowds, cleaning your hands, and coughing into a bent elbow or tissue. Check local advice where you live and work. Do it all!"

"Make wearing a mask a normal part of being around other people. The appropriate use, storage and cleaning or disposal of masks are essential to make them as effective as possible," WHO added.

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