The pandemic has been going on for more than a year and a half. If given the “blanket authority” or opportunity to lead in responding to it, Vice President Leni Robredo said proper use of funds would be her priority.
“Ang una kong gagawin, titingnan how much money do we have now. Itatabi natin ‘yon sa kung ano ba ‘yung pinakakailangan… Halimbawa isa sa pinakakailangan ngayon, ‘yung pag-asikaso sa healthcare workers natin… Talagang kailangan may kumukumpas sa taas,” said Robredo.
According to Robredo, President Rodrigo Duterte seems to be focusing on politics and diverting his attention.
“The last 2 press conferences were really quite frustrating for us kasi nasa middle tayo ng surge na kailangan all hands on deck, ‘yung urgency is really most important now tapos the greater part of the press conference is pinupuna ‘yung mga senador, pinupuna ang COA,” said Robredo.
Robredo also thinks that Duterte does not know the whole situation of the pandemic.
“Pag pinapakinggan ko at binabasa ‘yung transcript, may sense ako na hindi na niya alam lahat ng detalye. Ang tingin ko lang, kulang sa pagtutok sa detalye,” she said.
Robredo disappointed with Duterte admin’s pandemic response
Instead of the President quarreling with the senators and defending those involved in the alleged overpricing of medical supplies, she said they should face the investigation.
“The President has been sending mixed signals. ‘Yung claim niya na corruption was one of the flagship programs niya when he was campaigning,” she said.
Meanwhile, Robredo reiterated that she is open to running for president but has not yet made a final decision.
“Hindi ko tinitingnan ‘yung sarili ko na savior. I have always kept myself close to the ground. Alam ko na hindi kaya ng best of intentions… Pero kung hindi naman ako, willing ako to support somebody else,” said Robredo.
If she does not run for president, she has other options.
“I can run for a local position, I can retire, I can just help the next administration if I don’t run for president,” she said.
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