DILG Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III has explained his side following a barrage of criticisms online with his recent “Hindi essential si Lugaw” remark.
In an interview with ANC’s Christian Esguerra, Densing clarified that his previous statement against the Vice President is out of frustration from Robredo’s criticism against the Government’s actions against COVID-19.
According to Densing, instead of criticizing the Government, what they need is encouragement and morale booster.
Densing also defended himself from all tirades saying his statement out of proportion.
Too sensitive to criticism? DILG Usec. Epimaco Densing explains his “lugaw” statement vs VP @lenirobredo; tells #ANCMattersOfFact: “What we need right now is encourgament, not criticism.” pic.twitter.com/nU8N3Fyu2r
— Christian Esguerra (@IanEsguerra) April 5, 2021
Densing has made the headlines after trying out and failing on a dry joke against the Vice President at the height of the ‘lugaw’ controversy.
Densing said, “Hindi essential si Lugaw.” He referred to VP Leni Robredo, who is not essential in the fight against COVID because of her alleged unfounded criticisms.
Netizens, celebrities, and journalists slammed Densing’s latest statements saying it clearly showed how incompetent the cabinet official is.
Journalist Barnaby Lo and Pia Magalona blasted Densing’s statement that COVID-19 is a problem without a solution.
Ha???? So wala ngang plano??? Palakasan ng guardian angel literally? Please register and vote in 2022. https://t.co/QIATF3TErf
— Barnaby Lo 吳宗鴻 (@barnabychuck) April 5, 2021
Densing, you being dense? What do you mean we aren’t sure that the vaccine is the solution? Do research, maaaannn.
Also, you need encouragement? Ru a child?? Do your job. Leni does!
Oh and you don’t welcome criticism but you mocked her! 👉👈 https://t.co/nFuqBPEgeX
— Pia Magalona ⁷ (@piamagalona) April 5, 2021
According to Kapamilya personalities Jeff Canoy, Agot Isidro, and Mike Navallo said–Densing shouldn’t say anything because he’s not making any sense.
🤷🏻♂️ https://t.co/gz1zue9kMA
— Jeff Canoy (@jeffcanoy) April 5, 2021
This Densing character just shoots off his mouth, ‘no?
Struggling to make sense of what he’s saying. Pero wala talaga eh 😏
— Agot Isidro (@agot_isidro) April 5, 2021
Lesson for government officials: Even if you work hard (as most claim), you will be remembered for your stupid statements.
So less talk, more work perhaps? 😉
And yes, be open to criticism without looking agitated. 😎 https://t.co/iQmWgvBrNc
— Mike Navallo (@mikenavallo) April 5, 2021
Netizen @deedeeholiday didn’t mince words in her tweet saying “ANG TANGA NI DENSING”.
https://twitter.com/deedeeholliday_/status/1378925435799539713
ABS-CBN veteran journalist Tony Velasquez also shared his reaction and said that it’s frustrating to watch and listen to government officials who seemed allergic to criticisms.
So kung obvious na pumapalya na diumano ang government approach to the pandemic, let's encourage it more? Huwag na lang punahin, at masasaktan lang ang feelings nila, kahit na ito na mismo ang feedback na kailangan nilang malaman at aksyunan? Taragis. https://t.co/tH7b0fEGdO
— Tony Velasquez (@KakanTuring) April 5, 2021
A suggestion was floated on twitter by journalist Carlo Ople–the Government should only assign one spokesperson for COVID-related issues. Too many mouthpieces add to the confusion especially when their statements backfire on them.
Suggestion — gov should just have 1 spokesperson for COVID efforts. Para hindi confusing, hindi nag babackfire, at hindi nakakagulo like this 👇 https://t.co/9qp2pPkUTD
— Carlo Ople (@carloople) April 5, 2021
Former IATF adviser Dr. Tony Leachon also shared his insight in the interview and reminded the public must not expect that the COVID-19 situation in the country will be solved when these very same people don’t recognize that there’s a problem.
Don’t think this crisis will be solved with the same people with the same thinking process. PDITR strategy has been in place for a year – but there’s no scorecard , accountability , and recognition of problem.
That’s why we are again in ECQ with an overwhelmed healthcare system! https://t.co/AyyQvEO68K— Tony Leachon MD (@DrTonyLeachon) April 5, 2021
Leaders should be forward thinking in the plans and policies they set, instead of waiting until catastrophe looms.
Who’s in charge ? pic.twitter.com/xh3BoukiM8
— Tony Leachon MD (@DrTonyLeachon) April 5, 2021
Leachon also added that it’s painful and shameful to watch public officials like Densing “parading” on TV interviews and admitting that they don’t have a solution to the problem.
Incompetence is the true crisis – Albert Einstein.
It’s a shame that we are dealing with public officials like Usec Densing ( not Velasco 😊- he was a great NBI director ) who finally admitted that they don’t have solutions with this pandemic problem. @lalarimando https://t.co/gREJNa2gz1
— Tony Leachon MD (@DrTonyLeachon) April 5, 2021
Before grabbing the headlines due to ‘lugaw’–Densing is one of those who advocate for federalism and revolutionary government in the country.
He also tried to impeach the Vice President, however, no congressmen endorsed his complaint, thus it was outrightly went to the trash.
Densing, before his appointment to the DILG, also run for an elective position twice, as congressmen of Paranaque and a Partylist Rep, but he both failed in those elections.