A year after lockdown, Robredo hails frontliners

MANILA, Philippines — A year after a lockdown was imposed in the country, Vice President Leni Robredo paid tribute yesterday to those in the frontlines in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“A year into lockdown and we’ve weathered through so much: thousands of deaths and cases, millions of jobs and chances lost, many moments of confusion, uncertainty and fears. Amid all these, we’ve counted on frontliners to lead us forward,” Robredo said in a post in her personal Twitter account.

“We owe so much to our valiant health frontliners, who are closest to the dangers of COVID-19 every day. Their courage and their heart reverberate across hospitals and health centers, in testing centers, in barangay clinics and down at the communities,” she noted.

Robredo also expressed gratitude to the local executives “for showing us what can be done in unprecedented times,” including swift delivery of relief and services, support for medical workers and tech-based approaches for contact tracing.

“It’s inspiring that many of our leaders and fellow workers in LGUs stepped up to address many needs despite limitations. Their ingenuity and compassion are glimmers of hope that leadership is possible amid the crisis we face,” she said.

She also thanked the soldiers and police officers “who stay true to their calling,” and “whose help has been invaluable in delivering assistance to communities.”

Robredo also thanked the Filipino workers who provide essential services despite the dangers.

“Amid the many problems we still have to solve, as we move forward as a nation, we find hope in you,” she said.

Filipino spirit

Meanwhile, Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta thanked his Supreme Court (SC) family for their trust and support in him as his retirement on March 27 draws near.

In his speech at the Rizal Park, where the SC officials and employees held their flag raising ceremony yesterday, Peralta noted that it has been a year since Metro Manila had been placed under community quarantine and reminded people to keep the Filipino spirit alive.

“I would like to remind every Filipino that it has been one year since we stopped gathering for our flag raising ceremony every Monday… My countrymen, despite this, let us keep the spirit of being a Filipino in our thoughts, in our words and in our actions,” Peralta said.

He expressed his gratitude to his SC family for the trust and support they have given since his appointment as Chief Justice on Oct. 23, 2019.

The 68-year-old magistrate said the year 2020 had not been an easy year because of COVID-19 that presented several challenges for the judiciary, “but (we) were able to overcome these challenges together and made sure that the wheels of justice would continue to turn.” – Evelyn Macairan