Presidential spokesman Harry Roque’s remark that Filipinos already had a long vacation due to the COVID-19 pandemic was insensitive and offensive according to Gabriela Women’s party-list Representative Arlene Brosas.
Recently, President Rodrigo Duterte declared November 2, December 24, and December 31 as special working days.
Among those who call to reconsider the decision of the president is Senator Risa Hontiveros.
But the presidential spokesperson said that Filipinos already had a long vacation due to the pandemic.
“Napakatagal na po nating nakabakasyon. Tingnan natin kung anong mangyayari. Let us have faith in our economic team,” he said.
For the lawmaker, the statement of the presidential spox was “insensitive and downright offensive.”
“Para sa Malacañang, ang isang-taong pandemya ay isang bakasyon lamang habang para sa mahihirap, ito ay isang walang hanggang bangungot dulot ng kawalan ng ayuda at kabuhayan. Tama nga siguro ang sinabi ni Senator Bato dela Rosa, masarap nga talaga ang buhay ng mga malalapit sa presidente,” she said.
“Walang bakasyon para sa mga nanay sa komunidad na hindi na matapos kakaisip kung anong ipapakain sa kanilang mga anak sa gitna ng nagtataasang presyo ng bilihin. Walang bakasyon para sa mga manggagawang wala na ngang kasiguraduhan sa trabaho, kakarampot pa ang kinikita,” she added.
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