For once, Panelo lauds Leni on jab
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Atty. Salvador Panelo on Saturday welcomed the statement of Vice President Leni Robredo that she will get vaccinated once the government starts with the inoculation program against coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
In his online program, “Counterpoint,” Panelo said that he believes that Robredo will get jab to ensure that her family will also be protected against the Covid-19.
“Vice President Leni Robredo said that as early as December, she already issued a statement that she will lead the vaccination program. Although, I did not hear it in the news, I am convinced that if the issue is health, I believe that she will allow herself to be inoculated. I don’t have doubt about that,” Panelo said.
Earlier, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go challenged Robredo to get vaccinated to help in the government’s effort to boost public confidence on the mass vaccination program of the administration.
At the same time, Panelo supported Go’s call for unity to ensure the success of the fight against Covid-19.
“According to Senator Go, he appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte and Senate President Vicente Sotto III to strengthen unity, ensure transparency and immediately implement at the national program against Covid-19. Senator Go said the government should consider the welfare of the people, especially the poor,” he said.
Panelo added that senators should instead help the government convince the public on the safety of the vaccines instead of casting doubt on the procurement efforts of the administration.
“Many are spreading unverified information that is why we have no unity and it is us who will also suffer. According to Senator Go, if high ranking officials are not united, those who are suffering are the ordinary people,” he noted.
Panelo added that Go acknowledged the apprehensions of the people but stressed that Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. has already explained the confidentiality disclosure agreement (CDA) he signed with the vaccine companies.
“We cannot afford to experience what happened to Malaysia where it violated the confidentiality agreement and because of that, the vaccine manufacturer decided to cancel the supply of the vaccines to the said country,” he said.
At the same time, Panelo criticized Dr. Tony Leachon for his continued attack against the efforts of the government to procure the needed vaccines.
“The problem with Tony Leachon, he keeps on meddling with the affairs of the government. Instead of helping to lessen the apprehension, he is trying to worsen the problem by his accusations,” he added.
Panelo said that the critics should give Galvez the benefit of the doubt and allow him to do his job.
“President Duterte will not allow any corruption in the government procurement efforts as well as (Finance) Secretary (Carlos) Dominguez,” he added.