Charles Teves
Former secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Mar Roxas did not like it when Malacañang said that the Palace knows nothing about being given the green light to temporarily use the Araneta Coliseum as a health facility or an area for vaccination.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque in a briefing said he is unaware of any offer by Roxas in using the sports arena to help fight the pandemic.
“Hindi ko alam kung ang pamilya ni Mar Roxas ay ever nag-offer ng kanilang Araneta Coliseum,” Roque said when asked if existing facilities will be converted to vaccination centers before the vaccination hub on Nayong Pilipino in Parañaque City is established.
“Wala po akong alam na kahit anong COVID-related activities diyan sa Araneta ,” he added.
Roxas immediately reacted to Roque and called on comedian Ogie Diaz to let the public know of his family’s contribution.
@ogiediaz ikaw na lang sumagot please. Paki sabi huli na naman siya sa balita. Ngayon mismo nago-occular ang QC LGU dahil gagamitin nila ang Coliseum bilang mega site this weekend. Nakakahiya — sablay na kay Secretary @teddyboylocsin sablay na naman sa isyung ito.
— Mar Roxas (@MARoxas) May 12, 2021
Diaz is a staunch critic of the Duterte administration and an evident supporter of the Liberal Party of the Philippines, of which Roxas is a member.
Diaz only had to laugh at Roxas by namedropping him.
Damy na naman ako. 😂😂😂 https://t.co/ErVF2AU9xU
— ogie diaz (@ogiediaz) May 12, 2021
In the same briefing, Roque said the vaccination hub will only be temporary as tents will most likely be used as facilities.
“Make-shift yan. Hindi yan permanente. Parang mga tents yan parang ginawa na mga tent facilities na ginagamit na COVID isolation facility diyan sa NP lupain sa reclamation area,” he said.
He called on the board of Nayong Pilipino to not hinder the program as the Government aims to inoculate around 70 million Filipinos.
One Nayong Pilipino director earlier resigned due to concerns about trees being cut to widen the area of the vaccination hub.
“Pakiusap lang po sa Nayong Pilipino Board, sana naman po huwag kayong sumuway doon sa programa ng Presidente na makamit ang herd immunity at payagan nang magtayo ng mega vaccination facility diyan po sa Nayong Pilipino ,” he said.
The Filipino people have lately found it hard to take Roque seriously.
He showed willingness and confidence in debating with the retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio on the issue of the West Philippine Sea. Shortly after the challenge, Vice President Leni Robredo got implicated by Roque in the debate.
