Vice President Leni Robredo’s criticism on the lapses of the administration in its coronavirus response has nothing to do with her affiliation with the opposition, her spokesperson said on Thursday.

Spokesman Barry Gutierrez rebutted Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s remark that Robredo will always be against the administration.

“Sa panahon na ito, hindi na dapat ang pag-iisip natin oposisyon o administrasyon (In a time like this, our mindset should no longer be about the opposition or administration),” he said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

“Ang pag-iisip dapat natin dito lahat tayo Pilipino, lahat tayo gustong makaahon ang buong bansa natin  laban sa pandemyang ito (Our mindset should be all of us are Filipinos, we want our  country to rise in the fight against this pandemic),” he stressed.

The vice president has been very vocal against the supposed shortcomings in the government’s COVID-19 efforts and has suggested ways to address them. 

Just last Tuesday, Robredo claimed the lack of system and cohesive plan in addressing the health crisis is much bigger problem than Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.

Malacanang has repeatedly dismissed her comments as mere politicking while Duterte asked the public not to believe the opposition.

“Hindi naman dapat i-dismiss lang na pamumulitika ito (This should not be dismissed as politicking),” Gutierrez said.

Robredo’s spokesman said the government has to listen to those who give suggestions and speak out on policy matters to solve COVID-19 problems. 

“It is very clear from the start, the vice president has been doing what she can at her level, while at the same time she proposes in consultation always with experts in the academe, health sector, advocates for their suggestions to improve government programs,” he said. 

“So I hope they will be more open to suggestions of experts because I think when we listen and follow them, it will improve our overall effort and at the end, our entire country will benefit,” he added.