By Genalyn Kabiling
The Philippine government has vowed to continue supporting the World Health Organization (WHO), citing its leadership in the global effort against the coronavirus pandemic.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the country remains committed to the WHO and will make its contribution to the organization when needed.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. (YANCY LIM/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
"Tayo po suportado natin ang WHO, dahil nakita naman natin na kung walang WHO, walang namumuno sa coordination dito sa laban natin sa sakit na COVID-19," he said in a press briefing at the Palace.
(We support the WHO because we have seen that without the WHO, there will be no one leading the coordination in the fight against COVID-19.)
"As far as the Philippines is concerned, we stand committed to WHO and we will give our contribution when the need arises."
Roque also urged other members of the international community to support the global health body and contribute to its funding.
“Sana po lahat ng bansa ng daigdig ay ipagpatuloy ang kanilang kooperasyon sa WHO, at importante rin po ang pagbibigay ng pondo sa WHO."
(I hope that all nations of the world will continue cooperating with WHO, and it is also important to give funds to the WHO.)
Roque made the remarks after United States President Donald Trump announced that he will temporarily stop the funding to the WHO pending a review.
Trump has accused the WHO of allegedly mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus. The U.S., which reportedly gives around $400 million to $500 million each year to the organization, currently has the highest number of coronavirus cases in the world.
Roque declined to comment on Trump's decision to pull out funding from WHO. "It's not for the Philippine President to tell other presidents what to do," he said.
Like many virus-hit nations, the Philippines is also struggling to contain the coronavirus pandemic. As of April 16, health authorities have reported 5,660 cases of infections, including 362 fatalities.
The government has enforced enhanced community quarantine in Luzon until the end of the month to contain the outbreak of the disease. It also moved to improve the country’s healthcare facilities and resources to hasten testing, isolation, and treatment of coronavirus patients.
Quarantine measures have also been imposed by local government units in other places outside Luzon.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. (YANCY LIM/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
"Tayo po suportado natin ang WHO, dahil nakita naman natin na kung walang WHO, walang namumuno sa coordination dito sa laban natin sa sakit na COVID-19," he said in a press briefing at the Palace.
(We support the WHO because we have seen that without the WHO, there will be no one leading the coordination in the fight against COVID-19.)
"As far as the Philippines is concerned, we stand committed to WHO and we will give our contribution when the need arises."
Roque also urged other members of the international community to support the global health body and contribute to its funding.
“Sana po lahat ng bansa ng daigdig ay ipagpatuloy ang kanilang kooperasyon sa WHO, at importante rin po ang pagbibigay ng pondo sa WHO."
(I hope that all nations of the world will continue cooperating with WHO, and it is also important to give funds to the WHO.)
Roque made the remarks after United States President Donald Trump announced that he will temporarily stop the funding to the WHO pending a review.
Trump has accused the WHO of allegedly mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus. The U.S., which reportedly gives around $400 million to $500 million each year to the organization, currently has the highest number of coronavirus cases in the world.
Roque declined to comment on Trump's decision to pull out funding from WHO. "It's not for the Philippine President to tell other presidents what to do," he said.
Like many virus-hit nations, the Philippines is also struggling to contain the coronavirus pandemic. As of April 16, health authorities have reported 5,660 cases of infections, including 362 fatalities.
The government has enforced enhanced community quarantine in Luzon until the end of the month to contain the outbreak of the disease. It also moved to improve the country’s healthcare facilities and resources to hasten testing, isolation, and treatment of coronavirus patients.
Quarantine measures have also been imposed by local government units in other places outside Luzon.