In the continuing saga of Harry Roque and the Order of the Malacañang, (a series that includes finger hearts, dolphins, university rivalries and Lorde) the presidential spokesperson has added more words to live by in the middle of the pandemic.
In today’s televised briefing, Roque reminded viewers to continue observing health protocols such as physical distancing and wearing masks. However, the spokesperson mentioned that Filipinos should try to go on, business as usual.
“Some will say, kinakailangan nating sayawan ang COVID-19 kasi sa Pilipino when you have to live with something, sayawan mo na lang. ’Yan po ang gagawin natin. Sasayawan po natin,” Roque said. “We have to deal with COVID-19. We have to resume with our economy and at the same time protect our people.”
He reiterated the point he made in Monday’s online briefing where he said that the government has no alternative but to reopen the economy.
“Ang tingin ko po, wala naman tayong alternatibo kundi magbukas po talaga ng ekonomiya,” Roque stated. “Kung hindi pa po natin mabubuksan, eh baka mamaya buhay nga tayo pero mamamatay tayo dahil wala tayong hanapbuhay.”
This statement comes at a time when active COVID-19 cases stand at 34,178, with a running total of 47,873. According to an expert from the University of the Philippines, these cases could surpass the 100,000 mark by the end of August. Recently, the Department of Health confirmed a record-high surge of fresh cases in the country.
Dr. Guido David, a member of the UP OCTA research group, recommends authorities to ramp up screenings as well as rethink the transportation of workers.
While the economy’s reopening is inevitable for the government, the spokesperson mentioned that they could still opt for a stricter quarantine if the situation requires it.
Read more:
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Photo from Inquirer.net