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Internationally-acclaimed singer-actress and Broadway star Lea Salonga slammed the ‘powerful’ people for cutting the line when it comes to the COVID-19 testing process.
On her Twitter account, Lea wrote about hearing stories from her friends regarding those who use their power to get tested first.
“Folks jumping the COVID testing line because they consider themselves above everyone else.
“Pati ba naman diyan nagpapauna kayo? Please lang! Wait your turn! That is all.”
Hearing stories of entitlement from friends… folks jumping the COVID testing line because they consider themselves above everyone else. Pati ba naman diyan nagpapauna kayo? Please lang! Wait your turn! That is all.
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) February 21, 2021
Almost a year ago, a photo that shows the list of politicians who allegedly experienced VIP treatment when it comes to COVID-19 testing, even though they’re known to be asymptomatic, went viral. The said individuals and their families underwent the testing as well.
The Department of Health (DOH) then released a statement denying all claims about VIP testing. They emphasized that they have no policy for VIP treatment.
“The DOH assures the public that there is no policy for VIP treatment and that all specimens are being processed on a first-in, first-out basis.”
A list also made rounds on social media platforms accusing notable individuals in the government who requested the testing ahead of frontliners.
The list includes President Rodrigo Duterte, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Grace Poe, Pia Cayetano, Imee Marcos, Bong Revilla, and Francis Tolentino. It came out after Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri tested positive.
Remulla apologized for not following protocols and getting tested and promised not to take advantage of his power again.
“There’s a protocol and triage algorithm set by DOH that I may have skipped. I would like to apologize and I promise never to take advantage of my position again. I take full responsibility if you think I took advantage of my position,” he wrote.
I take full responsibility. There’s a protocal and triage algorithm set by DOH. In the spirit of transparency… pic.twitter.com/bRwso4WrIb
— Jonvic Remulla (@jonvicremulla) March 18, 2020
Tolentino also apologized in a now-deleted facebook post.
“If I came out positive, [I] will also post so the people who came near me would know the result whether positive or negative. My apologies to those offended,” he said.
“I apologize if I undertook the same as I was likewise exposed to the persons my colleagues got in contact with during our hearings.”
