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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider COVID-19 initiatives suspended by Robredo's office pending Comelec decision

COVID-19 initiatives suspended by Robredo's office pending Comelec decision

Published Feb 6, 2022 10:59 am

It would be such a pity if the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will not grant the exemption from the election ban the Office of the Vice President (OVP) is asking for its COVID-19 response initiatives, Vice President Leni Robredo said on Sunday, Feb. 6.

Vice President Leni Robredo (OVP photo)

The OVP has suspended all of its pandemic response—the Bayanihan E-Konsulta, Swab Cab, Vaccine Express, and medical assistance—ahead of the start of the official campaign season on Tuesday, Feb. 8.

“Ngayon, sinuspend natin dahil naghihintay tayo ng desisyon ng Comelec doon sa (Now, we’ve suspended it because we are waiting for the Comelec’s decision for) exemption na hinihingi natin (that we are asking),” Robredo said during her weekly radio show.

Last week, the Vice President went to the Comelec to ask for an exemption on the election ban that prohibits public offices from using their resources for campaign programs.

Robredo told the poll body that she and any members of her family will not go to the said initiatives, and that her name and image will not appear on promotional materials for the programs.

While she understands the need for exemption, Robredo lamented that a lot of people are benefiting from the COVID-19 response initiatives.

READ: Robredo hopes Comelec will allow OVP’s COVID response programs during campaign period

“Sayang kung mahinto kasi marami talagang nakikinabang (It’s a shame if it will be stopped because a lot of people are benefiting),” she said.

“Sana mapagbigyan tayo kasi ang daming pasyenteng natutulungan. Hindi lang (I hope we can be granted because it helps a lot of patients. Not only) COVID patients pati iyong mga pasyenteng nangangailangan ng (but even the patients who need) financial assistance sa mga naospital, sa pambili ng gamot (in hospitals, in buying medicines)...,” she added.

Robredo, the lone female presidential candidate in May 2022, hopes to get the exemption this week.

During the hearing at Comelec, her team showed the number of people who ask help from the OVP every day.

“Kapag hindi tayo nabigyan, wala tayong magagawa kasi iyon ang desisyon ng Comelec (If we don’t get the grant, we have no choice because that’s the decision of the Comelec),” she said.

Related Tags

Vaccine Express VP Leni Robredo covid-19 Bayanihan E-Konsulta Comelec Campaign period Swab Cab
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