Presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo is waiting for the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to allow her to continue with her COVID-19 response programs during the campaign period that will officially start on February 8.
On the sidelines of her Swab Cab program in Makati on Tuesday, Jan. 18, Robredo shared that they’ve asked permission from the poll body to exempt her office’s COVID programs from the prohibition on government officials of using their offices’ resources during the campaign period.
In particular, Robredo wants to continue with her Swab Cab, Bayanihan E-Konsulta, and Vaccine Express initiatives.
“So, sana mabigay ‘yung (I hope we can be given an) exemption. Sumulat na kami (We wrote) early this month. Sumulat na kami (We wrote) to ask for exemption, so sana ma-grant (I hope it can be granted),” she said.
READ: Robredo to Comelec: Allow COVID response programs during campaign period
The aspiring president visited the OVP's Swab Cab site in Makati City before the dispatch of swabbers who will do free house-to-house antigen testing.
Makati City Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo and Makati Rep. Romulo 'Kid' Peña, Jr. accompanied the Vice President.
The swabbers were set to do house-to-house testing in the following barangays: Poblacion, Pembo, Rizal, West Rembo, Pio del Pilar, Guadalupe Nuevo, San Antonio, and Palanan.
Robredo praised Makati for its “good performance” in COVID response.
READ: Robredo revives Swab Cab as nation expects another COVID-19 surge
“So, kami andito lang naman kami kung kinakailangan ‘yung aming tulong kasi ‘yung advantage naman ng office namin, naka-cultivate kami ng (we’re just here if our help is needed because the advantage of our office is we have cultivated a) network ng mga (of) volunteers over the years,” she said.
It has become easier for the OVP to mobilize because of its Angat Buhay program.
On a Facebook post, Robredo thanked the Makati LGU, Ayala Malls Circuit, UBE Express, Otsuka-Solar Philippines, Inc., and other Angat Buhay partners and volunteers.