For Robredo, Sinas breaching health protocol anew teaches lesson on responsibility
By Deighton Acuin
The recent COVID-19 health protocol breach made by Philippine National Police Chief General Debold Sinas should be a teaching moment for public — even government officials — on importance of responsibility amid the ongoing pandemic, Vice President Leni Robredo said Sunday.
Robredo’s statement came after Sinas confirmed last Thursday that he got infected with COVID-19 and had to undergo quarantine. On the same day, the provincial government of Oriental Mindoro said the top cop skipped health screening upon arrival in Calapan City.
"Dapat nga tayo yung example. Walang excuse dahil wala namang nae-excuse sa virus 'diba so dapat talaga kung ano 'yung policy on the ground sumunod tayo," Robredo said in her weekly radio show Biserbisyong Leni over RMN DZXL.
“Gaya ng sabi ko, responsibility natin na hindi tayo carrier eh. Again, maraming circumstances na hindi natin kontrolado pero kung ano yung kontrolado yun yung gagawin natin,” Robredo added.
On the other hand, Senator Panfilo Lacson called out Sinas for “strike two” in violating health and safety protocols.
This is not the first time Sinas breached health standards as the country currently grappling with rising coronavirus infections.
In May last year, Sinas together with 18 police officers were charged for a birthday blowout despite the imposition of Metro Manila under Enhanced Community Quarantine — the most stringent community quarantine measure — which also sparked criticisms due to “double standards” among law enforcers implementing safety guidelines.
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