Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque called out the media’s attention on Tuesday,
December 1, for fairness in journalism after being criticized during an event in Cebu where he spoke to people who hardly practiced social distancing.
Roque specified that he was being condemned for violating the safety protocols and health standards amid the COVID-19 pandemic while Vice President Leni Robredo happened to not be criticized after shaking hands with a crowd.
“Ang ikinakasama ko ng loob, bakit ako pinupuruhan palagi ng Inquirer at ng ABS-CBN? Bakit noong nakikita ninyo sa screen si VP Leni nakipag-handshake-handshake pa, o hindi ba violation ito ng restriction on social distancing? Ang tanong ko naman sa mga media na mga kasama natin, patas sana," he said.
In a news briefing, Roque presented photos of Robredo shaking hands with people, comparing his issue during a trip in Bantayan Island, Cebu where he was spotted speaking with a crowd of people without the practice of physical distancing.
Roque, who is also the spokesperson of the government’s COVID-19 task force, pointed out that this was to discredit the government.
“Siyempre hindi nila sisitahin si VP Leni dahil ang gusto lang nilang gustong sitahin ay iyong mga taong gobyerno,” said Roque.
On the other hand, Robredo’s spokesman Barry Gutierrez firmly believed that Roque should not use Robredo to address his issue.
““Nagpa-mañanita ka sa beach tapos si VP pa rin ang ituturo mo? Wow lang,” Gutierrez said in a statement.
Roque did not answer when asked if the government’s COVID-19 task force will investigate Robredo for violating the pandemic protocols.
Words by Louie Jay Vildosola Layout by Kiziah Magbanua
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