Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque has confirmed that he berated medical frontliners who were merely voicing out their opposition against easing of restrictions.
In an unusually soft-spoken voice, Roque addressed the issue in a virtual briefing acknowledging his outbursts.
“Kinukumpirma ko po na tayo po’y naging emosyonal at pasensya naman po kayo, tao lamang,” Roque said.
The presidential spokesman was caught on video berating Philippine College of Physicians Maricar Limpin for suggesting that the country should impose a hard lockdown.
Roque said he was just defending those who have expressed frustrations on the prolonged restrictions.
“Ang pakiusap ko lang po, ‘wag po nating isipin na ang mga desisyon ay parang mga clinical decision lamang. Kung meron po akong na-offend sa aking pananalita, well, humihingi po ako ng abiso. Pero kinakailangan lang pong pakinggan natin ang boses ng mga hindi naririnig sa IATF, ang hanay ng naghihirap at nagugutom,” Roque said.
In a video obtained by the Inquirer, Roque was seen almost shouting at a medical doctor.
“It does not mean that we care any less. And let me point out to everyone, this group, they have never said anything good about the government response,” he said.
“Do not sit there as if you’re the only ones right. We’re trying to achieve total health. Who wants COVID to kill people?” Roque told Limpin in the video.
