Let’s think twice
GOVERNMENT authorities ought to think twice or even thrice before agreeing to place heavily-populated Metropolitan Manila (MM) under the most relaxed “Alert Level 1.”
Many quarters, including the ordinary citizens, share the view of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) that the matter should be studied thoroughly.
DILG Spokesman Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said that it’s difficult to implement health protocols when the 45-day campaign period for local candidates starts on March 25.
The 90-day campaign period for national candidates in the upcoming May 9 presidential, congressional, regional and local elections started on Tuesday, February 8.
“Pagdating ng Marso 25 ay lalong dadami na ang mga kandidato at kanilang mga alipores sa labas para mangampanya,” according to a worried registered voter.
Without doubt, the thousands of people attending rallies, meetings and other political gatherings run the risk of contracting the dreaded and highly-contagious COVID-19
“Kitang-kita sa mga pagtitipon na ito na marami ang hindi nakasuot ng maskara at nagsisiksikan habang nakikinig sa mga talumpati ng mga kandidato,” lamented a village exec.
Even the Philippine National Police (PNP) admitted that it was certainly a challenge to enforce government-decreed minimum health and safety protocols during political gatherings.
We can understand that the Filipino people, particularly the poorest of the poor, now want to live normally after two years of living “like prisoners” because of so many restrictions.
But the question arises: Talaga bang handang-handa na tayo sa tinatawag na bagong normal na pamumuhay?
