Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Italy were furious with ABS-CBN journalist Karen Davila after the latter mentioned in national television that the Italian Government is giving food stamps to its citizens.
Davila who’s covering the enhanced community quarantine imposed on Luzon was talking about the food security of some countries who got affected by the COVID-19 and she mentioned Italy as one of the examples.
“Sa italy ay binibigyan ng mga vouchers ang mga tao para makapunta sa supermarket at makakuha ng pagkain ng libre,” Davila said.
However, some netizens working in Italy called the attention of Davila and informed her that there’s no food stamps or food being given to them by the government.
“Hoyyy Karen Davila sinong may sabing may libre vouchers dito sa Italy!!!I am from italy and we are in total lockdown but the food we buy it on our own pockets..makabalita ka palpak pa!may maibatikos lang sa gobyerno!nasan ang krebilidad mo!? Mahiya ka!!!! nga,” netizen Sylvia Apolonia said.
“Dito sa Italya kayod marino ang mga filipinos,pati hininga binabayaran dito,tapos ibabalita mo dyan sa Pilipinas may mga boucher ang mga taong naka clockdown dito sa italya,humusay usa ka nga karen lagi kay FAULT tuwing bumubuka ang bibig mo,” netizen Mhay Ayala commented.
“Hoy! Karen davila sa sariling bulsa namin kinukuha ang aming mga pambiling pagkain.. hindi sa government ng italy for your info,” Primz Bruno remarked.
Another netizen tried to ask Davila for clarification on her Instagram.
The journalist then clarified that the voucher is still only a proposal.
“Ma’am, correction. There is a proposed €600 voucher/financial assistance for mothers in Italy (can be used for food) as reported in the New York Times,” Davila told the OFW.
One netizen even made a vlog to debunk Davila.
Kristina’s Vlog, a Filipina working in Italy said that they’re not receiving anything from the Italian government and they’re forced to use their savings to buy basic needs.
“Sana po kapag magbabalita kayo siguraduhin niyo rin na tama yung binabalita niyo kasi wala pong free dito, siguro free lang dito yung tubig kasi may mga fountain dito na pwede kang uminom ng tubig,” she said.
Italy is one of the most affected countries by COVID-19.
As of writing, there are already 26,062 people infected by the said virus in Italy.