Vice President Leni Robredo said Tuesday she asked Comelec to allow her office to continue its COVID response programs while she campaigns for the May 9 presidential elections.Â
Robredo said she put her request in writing as her office continued to receive requests for assistance from local officials. Under Comelec rules, candidates are prohibited to give, offer, or promise anything of value during an election period.
"Humingi kami ng exemption from COMELEC na ‘yung mga COVID-related na mga ginagawa ng office, payagan kami to continue even after Feb. 8, lalo na kasi surge ngayon. So, lalong-lalo na itong Swab Cab, saka ‘yung Bayanihan E-Konsulta, saka siguro Vaccine Express, ito talaga ‘yung marami kaming ginagawa ngayon para makatulong sa surge. So, sana mabigay ‘yung exemption."
Bayanihan E-Konsulta is the OVP's free teleconsultation service for outpatient cases in Metro Manila and nearby areas without access to doctors, providing free COVID Care Kits for those in need. Swab Cab is a mobile COVID-19 testing service, and Vaccine Express, its drive-thru vaccination program aimed at speeding up jab rollout in select areas.
"Nagre-respond lang kami sa mga requests ng mga LGU. So, sinasabi naman namin lalo na ‘yung mga LGUs na nakikipag-partner with us, na anytime na kailangan nila ng tulong in whatever form, willing kaming tumulong," she said.
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