Labor group Defend Jobs Philippines on Monday  slammed Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo and challenged him not to eat for one month after his “nobody dies of hunger” and “one month, you still won’t die” statements on Sunday.

Panelo made the remarks after defending the National Capital Region (NCR) lockdown protocols implemented against workers coming in and out of Metro Manila.

“Since Panelo is known for taking up challenges, we urge him to fast even for a month and just drink water if he can survive and not die of hunger,” said Thadeus Ifurung, Defend Jobs Philippines spokesperson.

He added, “Such blatant display of arrogance and insensitivity from Panelo reflects how desperate is the government in justifying their harsh and militaristic approach to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Ifurung also noted that instead of addressing the raised concerns and demands of the Filipino  workers on their demands and issues related to the security of their jobs, salaries and health and safety, as well as observations on the implementation of the Metro Manila lockdown, the Palace is resorting to clear disrespect and rudeness to the poor working people.

“Even without the lockdown and the COVID-19 outbreak, our workers and poor people are already dying of hunger and extreme poverty due to the continuing neglect of the government and the anti-people policies being imposed against them,” said Ifurung./Stacy Ang