Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 18)— Vice President Leni Robredo has formally asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to allow her office to continue with its pandemic initiatives even during campaign season.
The campaign period for national candidates kicks off on Feb. 8. Robredo said they already sought an exemption from the poll body.
“So, lalong-lalo na itong Swab Cab, saka ‘yung Bayanihan E-Konsulta, ito talaga ‘yung – saka siguro Vaccine Express, ito talaga ‘yung marami kaming ginagawa ngayon para makatulong sa surge. So, sana mabigay ‘yung exemption,” Robredo said during her visit to Swab Cab in Makati City on Tuesday.
[Translation: Especially Swab Cab, Bayanihan E-Konsulta, and the Vaccine Express, these are the programs we do to help in the surge of COVID-19 cases. We hope the exemption will be granted.]
The Office of the Vice President’s Swab Cab provides free antigen testing in areas where there’s a spike in COVID-19 infections. Bayanihan E-Konsulta, meanwhile, connects COVID-19 patients to volunteer doctors. They are also given care kits, including medicines, in this initiative. Vaccine Express, on the other hand, offers doses against the coronavirus.
Section 13 of the Comelec’s Resolution 10747 requires candidates to secure a certificate of exception for “projects, activities, and programs pertaining to social welfare projects and services.”
OVP ready to partner with LGUs outside Metro Manila
Robredo also said her office is ready to respond to the requests of local officials in the provinces amid increasing cases outside Metro Manila.
“So, sinasabi naman namin sa mga – lalo na ‘yung mga LGUs na nakikipag-partner with us, na anytime na kailangan nila ng tulong in whatever form, willing kaming tumulong,” Robredo said.
[Translation: We tell LGUs who want to partner with us that we’re willing to help anytime in whatever form.]
Robredo said they have been receiving calls to bring the Vaccine Express or Swab Cab to Mindanao. Some even want to replicate Bayanihan E-Konsulta, complete with the COVID-19 care kits, she added.
