MANILA – Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and Sen. Manny Pacquiao have welcomed an investigation into mass gatherings they attended where social distancing protocols were allegedly violated.
In a statement over the weekend, Roque said he welcomed a fact-finding investigation to confirm that he was just a mere guest in the gathering held in Cebu on Friday.
“I welcome that [fact-finding investigation],” Roque said. “The activity where I was seen speaking before a crowd was organized by the local government, which I had no control as a guest.”
“I was later informed, that the local official(s) mentioned in interview(s) that they did not expect the huge turnout of people as well,” he added.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao also welcomed the probe into his Batangas visit.
“We welcome any investigation related to claims that quarantine protocols were violated when we went to Batangas to distribute relief and early Christmas gifts for the people who have suffered so much during the Taal Volcano eruption and the series of typhoons that hit Luzon [recently],” said Pacquiao’s special assistant Jake Joson.
“”Before that, we also distributed relief and financial aid for the fire victims in Bacoor [Cavite] and flood victims in Rizal province and in Marikina City,” he added. “We tried to ensure that social distancing and health safety protocols were strictly observed.”
“If and when there were some photos and videos showing what it seem to be violations of the quarantine protocols, I can assure you that these do not reflect the real situation on ground,” Joson said./PN
