By Jillian Marielle Tiraña

PHOTO: PCOO

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday insists President Rodrigo Duterte had no faults over the sudden increase of people who wanted to get vaccinated before the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) starts.

Assumptions were made linking the increasing number of vaccinee with the President’s past statements about possibly arresting and escorting unvaccinated individuals.



Roque stated that the President has no connection to the overcrowded COVID-19 vaccination sites as his last speech regarding the matter was made on Monday, July 28, a week prior to the swarming of facilities that did not happen until Thursday, August 5.

“Kung talagang reaksyon po ‘yan sa sinabi ni Presidente, dapat po ‘yan ay nagsiksikan na Tuesday palang o Wednesday pero hindi po nangyari ‘yon.” He added.

The spokesperson said the President made no mistakes in his speech, adding that according to surveys, Duterte continues to be the country’s best positive communicator.



Roque clarifies that although he doesn’t blame anyone, Local Government Units (LGUs) should not shift the blame to Duterte since in the end, it is still their job to implement responsible and compassionate vaccinations.

The surge was observed around the cities of Metro Manila and CALABARZON including Manila, Las Piñas, and Antipolo.