Panelo slams Pangilinan

The government can only do so much, if they do not want to comply, explanations and reminders are useless

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo hit back at Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan after he criticized the government campaign against coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In his online program, “Counterpoint,” Panelo said that the government has put in place the necessary minimum health standard to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

“Don’t blame the government if there is transmission. Senator Kiko Pangilinan said we are causing the transmission. Just what President said, it is easy to comply with the health protocols such as wearing of mask, face shield and always wash your hands,” Panelo said.

Panelo cited in particular the case of United States (US) where thousands of

Americans die everyday because of their non-compliance to health protocols.

“The Americans read and watch the news. They know the threat of COVID-19. Why blame the government for that? The government can only do so much, if they do not want to comply, explanations and reminders are useless. Self-discipline is really important,” he added.

At the same time, Panelo supported the call of the Health Professionals Alliance Against COVID-19 (HPAAC) to implement the ‘APAT Dapat’ slogan in view of the possible surge of COVID-19 cases this Christmas.

“HPAAC is pushing for strategies to prevent the spread of coronavirus this Christmas as they warned that the events these holidays can become super spreader. That is why the government banned Christmas party, both in public or private,” Panelo said.

He added that the HPAAC stressed the need to implement the “APAT Dapat” slogan to prevent the experience in July and August where hospitals were overwhelmed by number of cases of COVID-19.

“They have four strategies, first you need to have air, it is better to conduct the gathering outdoor, and then physical distancing, we should maintain two meters or at least six feet and then wearing of mask and time, keeping the meeting to no more than 30 minutes,” he explained.