Charles Teves
Vice President Leni Robredo and Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso want to continue the operation of “Vaccine Express,” a drive-through vaccination site especially made for essential workers under the A4 priority group. It was initiated by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) together with the Manila LGU.
This made people confused as Robredo is from the opposing party and Moreno is known to be a Duterte ally.
Both plan “to continue the initiative to bring vaccination to vendors in Manila City.“
“Ito talaga, idea nila (OVP) ito na mag-create ng (it is really the OVP’s idea to create an) additional effort to help local government units like the City of Manila. And we’re very grateful with all the logistics given to us by the Office of the Vice President,” Moreno said while surrounded by reporters.
“Ngayon, nakikita ninyo nagbenepisyo iyong mga economic drivers natin and we’re very happy and excited na ito, matutuloy bukas at iyong kanina.”
Robredo explained that Vaccine Express caters more to those who may find it more difficult to get inoculated at vaccination centers.
“Ito iyong mga tao na mas gusto sana mas kaunti iyong istorbo sa hanapbuhay nila, na hindi na sila pupunta kung saan, maghihintay ng half day o whole day para mabakunahan. Ito, in a matter of minutes tapos na sila,” said Robredo.
“Iyong mga nakausap namin ni Mayor kanina, sinasabi nila, iyong mga Grab drivers, after nito biyahe na ulit sila. So, napakalaking bagay.”
Spent the entire afternoon sa ating Vaccine Express site, so I could personally thank our doctors, nurses and volunteers. Lahat pagod pero masaya at fulfilled. pic.twitter.com/9qSvx3dyua
— Leni Robredo (@lenirobredo) June 23, 2021
On top of a free dose–drivers will get a P500 gas coupon and redeemable at gas stations.
She said that the OVP seeks to work with other LGUs supplies will mainly depend on them. The move is also another way to promote vaccination in the country.
“The sooner na mabakunahan lahat, the sooner din magbubukas iyong ating ekonomiya,” said Robredo.
And it seems Robredo is once again a step ahead of the Duterte government in responding to the health crisis.
Yung Matanda ipapakulong ka daw pag ayaw magbakuna. Eto pag nagpabakuna ka may 500 gas cards. Sana all.
— HappyBoyle (@happy_boyle) June 22, 2021
Previously, Duterte mentioned that those who refuse to get inoculated against COVID-19 might go to jail.
And now, #VaccineExpress
She doesn’t have billions of budget like Dolomite, Intel Funds and NTF Elcac but she made results.
She were being bashed because of her political color but she continue to help. pic.twitter.com/ZcPDpUVUIF
— AdChoiceTV News (@AdChoiceTVNews) June 23, 2021
So, you're telling me VP Leni was busy with Manila's Vaccine Express in the morning, then went back to her office and prepare for a meeting with an ambassador???
BUSY PRESIDENTE NGA TALAGA! https://t.co/vHnoTzcEQH
— Tito N (@BlkTwentyEight) June 22, 2021
Si VP Leni gawa lang ng gawa.
Yung isa naman ngawa lang ng ngawa.— Sony M. (@sonymandap) June 22, 2021
This collaboration was unexpected as both Moreno and Robredo are possible candidates for the Presidency next year, and the former got endorsed by the incumbent President earlier this month.
Ang galing nyo, VP @lenirobredo at Yorme @IskoMoreno ! Ibang klase kayo! 💯💯💯🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭🙏🙏🙏
— The Street Observer (@joeonthestreets) June 22, 2021
Some are very confused due to Robredo’s disapproval of beautifying Manila Bay with ‘fake’ white sand.
I'm okay naman, still puzzled why Robredo chose Moreno when she had criticized the dolomite sand in Manila Bay in w/c Moreno strongly supports, so sino ang SABOG ang utak sa kanila ? Bobo pa rin ang mga botante sa Pinas, na-byuda lang ng politico, presidentiable na . . .
— CuriosityJANE (@FloridaDahlias) June 23, 2021
Magandang balita pero huwag kalimutan na si Isko Moreno ay isang die hard taga hanga ni Duterte. Kung baga, ginagamit lang niya si VP Robredo para maging pabango niya.
— Fidel's Ismo (@IsmoFidel) June 23, 2021
Some are even speculating that the two career politicians could be running mates in 2022.
While Vice President Leni Robredo and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno say Vaccine Express has "no political color," the project fuels 2022 election scenarios. #PHVote #WeDecide https://t.co/Ic6ZvoIfA8
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) June 23, 2021
