04/03/2020
Official Statement from Mayor Joy Belmonte 3 April 2020
Dear QC residents:
As we end the third week of this enhanced community quarantine, we are grateful to all of our frontliners who continue to sacrifice to meet our needs. I sincerely thank and salute those who serve in hospitals, in the streets, in their barangays and various areas that need help and services. You are our real heroes in this crisis, and I continue to pray for your safety.
At the same time finding more ways to improve our services to our communities, I also want to ask this opportunity to apologize to you.
First, I sincerely apologize for losing my composure on social media. You are correct that all the projects implemented by the QC government belong to you, as they are funded by your taxes. When I was elected as Mayor, I was given the honor and privilege to serve all QC residents, regardless of political affiliation. Pero alam kong isang malaking pagkakamali na nakapag-post ako ng mga salitang taliwas dito. Inaamin ko po na nagkamali ako.
Second, I apologize for distributing health kits branded with “Joy Para Sa Bayan”. While it is true that my team used leftover donated bags from the previous campaign and that they were the most readily available bags on the first day of ECQ, it is clear that this was highly insensitive given the circumstances. Inaamin ko po na nagkamali ako.
When I reflect on these actions, I do not recognize the public servant that I aspire to be. The citizens of Quezon City deserve better. I will do better.
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I would also like to take this opportunity to inform you about the ongoing misinformation campaign viciously directed against the QC local government on social media. Our analysis shows that this is fueled by thousands of paid trolls. We appeal to everyone to please be very critical about what you read, like, or share. Huwag po tayong magpadala sa “fake news” at trolls. Sa halip na tumulong at makiisa sa lungsod para malampasan ang COVID-19, may mga taong sinasamantala ang krisis para sa kanilang pansariling interes.
There are so many "fake news" being spread. I want to clear some of these.
First, the QC government never sent home 3 COVID-19 positive patients; it was the hospitals that sent them home. That perception was due to an error by ABS-CBN, which they have since corrected: https://news.abs-cbn.com/…/qc-health-exec-says-hospitals-no…
In fact, we picked these patients up from their home and moved to our Hope 1 facility.
Second, QC food packs are not overpriced; they do not cost P2500. That perception was due to an error published by Manila Bulletin, which they have since corrected: https://www.facebook.com/ManilaBulletinLifestyle/posts/2543755925887125
I am disheartened that whoever is funding this misinformation campaign has taken advantage of one of the most difficult times in our history to sow confusion, uncertainty, and distrust. They have chosen to create divisiveness at a time when we need to be most united against an invisible enemy that knows no bounds.
The fight against COVID is still long-19. This is the time we need to protect each other. With the whole Team QC, you are our inspiration to continue serving. As the mother of the largest city in Metro Manila facing the heavy challenge of this crisis, we are remembering the safety and health of three million residents, especially poor cities.
Quezon City is not just a city. This is our home, where we must be assured and safe. Please join us in care and fighting for our home. With the help of the Lord, we can overcome this fight.
