MALACAÑANG on Friday, June 19, 2020, dismissed the suggestion to allow Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo to head the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque acknowledged the contributions made by Robredo in the country’s battle against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), but said there is no need for her to head the IATF.

“She is helping in her own ways and if her intentions are genuine, there is no need for her to be appointed or designated in the IATF, as suggested by the former senator,” Roque said, referring to the suggestion of former senator Antonio Trillanes IV.

He said Trillanes is only sowing “intrigue and division” amid the pandemic.

“Let us not make an issue when there is none. If she [Robredo] could offer solutions on how to address those who earlier tested negative for Covid-19 in Metro Manila, but tested positive once they reached their respective provinces, I would be more than willing to submit her proposed solutions to the IATF,” Roque said.

He said that Trillanes, one of President Rodrigo Duterte’s most vocal critics, must not “twist” his statement.

“We call on Mr. Trillanes not to twist my statement for the sake of political relevance and just do his share to alleviate the plight of put people amid this pandemic,” the Spokesperson said.

Trillanes had urged Malacañang to appoint Robredo as head of the IATF if it wants to flatten the Covid-19 epidemic curve immediately.

“If Malacañang really wants to flatten the curve, then it should appoint Vice President Robredo to be the IATF chair,” Trillanes said in a statement.

“Kung si Vice President Leni ang mamumuno at magpapatakbo ng IATF, mas marami itong magagawa at siguradong mas maganda ang kampanya natin laban sa Covid-19 ,” he added. (SunStar Philippines)