Vice President Leni Robredo, a persistent critic of the government response to the Covid-19 crisis, has made a turn-around, hailing health workers who risked life in the midst of the pandemic.

Robredo did the somersault on March 16 in a statement as the country marked the first anniversary the nationwide lockdown ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte as the coronavirus infections turned into a pandemic.

“We owe so much to our valiant health frontliners, who are closest to the dangers of COVID-19 every day. Their courage and their heart reverberate across hospitals and health centers, in testing centers, in barangay clinics and down at the communities,” Robredo said on Twitter.

“A year into lockdown and we’ve weathered through so much: thousands of deaths and cases, millions of jobs and chances lost, many moments of confusion, uncertainty and fears. Amid all these, we’ve counted on frontliners to lead us forward,” She said in a post in her personal Twitter account.

Robredo also gave a salute to local executives “for showing us what can be done in unprecedented times.”

“It’s inspiring that many of our leaders and fellow workers in LGUs stepped up to address many needs despite limitations. Their ingenuity and compassion are glimmers of hope that leadership is possible amid the crisis we face,” she said.

She also thanked the soldiers and police officers “who stay true to their calling,” and “whose help has been invaluable in delivering assistance to communities.”

“Amid the many problems we still have to solve, as we move forward as a nation, we find hope in you,” she said.