Amid rumors that President Rodrigo Duterte had a heart attack and flown to Singapore with his daughter Sara, Vice President Leni Robredo said it is only natural for Filipinos to look for their “leader” amid pandemic.
“Sa akin, may basis kung bakit naghahanap kasi ganoon naman kahit di ka presidente, kahit governor o mayor ka basta may nangyayari sa lugar mo, it is the natural instinct to look for their leader,” Robredo said in an interview with ANC.
(There’s basis for the inquiries because not only for president, even for governor or a mayor, it’s only natural for people to look for their leader during times of crisis.)
Robredo further explained that the public wants assurance from the government with regard to its COVID-19 response.
“Kasi kapag wala ‘yung assurance, ‘yung tao na-stress s’ya eh (people get stressed when there’s no assurance),” she said. “I think that is where it is all coming from.”
VP Leani reiterated her stand that there should be someone who will oversee the government’s response as different agencies are already overwhelmed and exhausted.
Robredo: People have ‘natural instinct to look for their leader’ amid crisis
“Ang nagtitimon doesn’t have to be the President although para sa akin malaking bagay kapag siya ang nagtitimon kasi hindi sila makaka-hindi. It is different if si Secretary [Carlito] Galvez ang nag-oorder sa mga agencies pero pag si Presidente ‘yun mas mabilis. Mas mabilis kung siya mismo ang nandoon,” she said.
(The one taking charge doesn’t have to be the President himself but for me it would be better if he is because people can’t say no. The response would be faster.)
“He doesn’t play the instrument but he is the one who is putting order in a lot of things. ‘Yun ang nakikita kong kulang ngayon (I think that’s what’s missing now),” Robreo said.
“In fairness, everyone is working, but everyone is already exhausted from last year,” she added.
Last night, Sen. Bong Go posted a photo of himself with Duterte, which even had a newspaper that seemed to be proof that it was recently taken.
The Palace also said that the President is in Malacañang and working there.