Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin, a former Department of Health (DOH) secretary, dismissed claims tying the recent spike in leptospirosis cases to controversial flood control projects, calling it a case of “pamumulitika.”
“Leptospirosis is a different matter… So if you ask me, alam mo, pamumulitika ulit ‘yung nili-link sa flood control projects eh,” Garin said on Saturday.
The DOH earlier warned that infections could still rise in the coming days. From July 13 to August 6, health authorities recorded 1,272 cases nationwide, with several fatalities — including 13 deaths reported at San Lazaro Hospital.
Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria from the urine of infected animals, particularly rats, which can mix with floodwater and enter the body through cuts or skin contact. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, muscle pain, and headaches.
Garin criticized the government’s handling of the situation, pointing out that resources were already available to prevent more cases. “If you ask me, it’s a failure ng communication, reaching the people, and it’s a failure of implementation because the budget is there, the medicines are there, napakamura ng doxycycline pero hindi nagamit nang maayos,” she said.
“It’s very painful to see people dying, people critical in the hospitals, for an illness that should’ve been preventable,” she added.
