MANILA – Malacañang appealed to the public Monday not to criticize top government officials should they be the first to be vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“Huwag naman po kapag nauna mga namumuno eh sasabihin VIP na naman. Gagawin lang po natin ‘yan dahil nga kinakailangan mapataas natin yung kumpiyansa ng ating mga kababayan na magpabakuna,” said Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque in a Palace press briefing.
Roque’s statement came after Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said over the weekend Duterte may be inoculated against the viral disease if it would boost the confidence of the Filipinos. The move, however, is subject to the approval of the Chief Executive’s physician.
“I think the President has said that he will now have himself vaccinated publicly. He only has to announce when it will be done,” Roque said.
Asked if Vice President Leni Robredo will be among the top officials to receive vaccines against the viral disease, Roque said the decision is up to the Department of Health.
“I leave that to the DOH because the President has said ‘Okay, if you want me to and there’s public clamor’, he said he will. I do not know if there’s also a public clamor for the Vice President. But I also know in terms of priority, the President is a senior citizen and entitled to priority. Let’s see if the VP will fall under any of the priorities,” Roque explained./PN
