By Deighton Acuin

PHOTO: ABS-CBN News

Vice President Leni Robredo on Wednesday said President Rodrigo Duterte acted unpresidential when he insulted her anew for supposedly appearing that the government was flouting coronavirus vaccine regulatory process.

In an interview with GMA veteran broadcaster Malou Mangahas, Robredo said public servants are not supposed to be onion-skinned.

She added the leaders should accept suggestions to improve their implementing programs.

"Ang unang dating sa akin, parang hindi pangulo 'yung nagsasalita. Pangalawa, sobrang pikon. Parati naman, Malou, sinasabi na 'pag pikon ka, talo ka, 'di ba?" Robredo said.

"Dapat sa trabaho namin, 'di ka napipikon eh. Kasi sa trabaho namin, kailangan 'yung tao, malayang mag-criticize eh. Kailangan 'yung tao malayang magbigay ng suggestions, kasi 'yun 'yung makakabuti sa aming panunungkulan," Robredo added.

During his Monday night address, Duterte slammed Robredo over calls to review the donated 600,000 vaccine doses developed by Sinovac Biotech, a Chinese pharmaceutical company, before its rollout for the national immunization program.

Duterte even urged Robredo to go shop for vaccines outside the country, adding he would give her funds if she can find some doses.

However, the country’s second-in-command was unfazed.

Robredo said she has no issues with CoronaVac since experts have approved it. But she said it would have been more prudent if the Duterte government waited for HTAC to review this vaccine since the body had earlier issued positive recommendations for the ones made by Pfizer and AstraZeneca. 

"Ang point ko lang naman, Malou, kahit pa donated 'yan at wala tayong gagastusin, obligasyon natin na bigyan 'yung ating mga kababayan ng added layer of protection," said Robredo.

Robredo was repeatedly slammed by the Chief Executive due to her criticisms from the administration’s bloody war on drugs to supposed mismanagement of the government’s coronavirus outbreak response.


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