"Politics doesn’t interest you because you have no interest in changing a world that suits you
so well." – Edith
If you are a fan of Netflix movies, you have probably heard of the movie Enola. This quote
was taken while Edith and Sherlock were arguing about his mother's whereabouts. Although her
mother was a rebel, as depicted in the film, sherlock was never interested in politics. Leaving us
to wonder, why? Why has Sherlock never expressed an interest in politics? Was it because it is
boring, as he claimed? The answer to this question is no. It is because of his privilege. To
understand this notion, we could associate this quote with the current situation here in the
Philippines.
As we all know, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 or also
known as Coronavirus disease is a highly contagious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The first case of COVID-19 was discovered in Wuhan City, China in December 2019.
Consequently, WHO labeled the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on
January 30, 2020. The organization suggested measures to prevent further widespread of the virus
such as the implementation of Face Masks, Social Distancing, Travel ban, and Quarantine.
Unfortunately, on March 11, 2020, despite various measures, WHO declared the outbreak a
pandemic. Hence, many were forced to shut their borders and the world quickly begins to make
its shift.
On average, symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 5–6 days after a person is infected with
the virus, although they can last up to 14 days. Symptoms were classified into three categories.
First, most common symptoms include: fever, dry cough, tiredness. Second, less common symptoms
include: aches and pains, sore throat, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, headache, loss of taste or smell, a
rash on the skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes. Lastly, serious symptoms: difficulty breathing
or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, loss of speech or movement. If a person seems to
have a severe symptom of the virus, they are recommended to call ahead of time when visiting a
doctor or a health care facility. On the other hand, individuals who are otherwise healthy and have
mild symptoms should manage them at home.
As we mentioned earlier, WHO suggested various measures in preventing the widespread
of COVID-19. These measures include the implementation of Face masks, Social Distancing,
Travel ban, and Quarantine. In this case, the Philippines or Filipinos were very compliant with the
measures as advised by WHO. The current administration of the Philippines implemented these
measures except one. The administration did implement restrictive policies in making efforts to
prevent the virus, however, as told by the president himself he would not restrict Travel Ban from
China. Right after that day, on the same day of WHO’s declaration on January 30, 2020, the first
case of COVID-19 here in the Philippines was confirmed. As followed by series of prideful takes
on the pandemic. On March 15, 2020, the Philippines experienced its first Community Quarantine;
a major stepping stone towards the country's collapse.
Small businesses, Schools, Streets, and establishments were closed due to the community
quarantine. Little did we know; Quarantines here in the Philippines were never-ending. Up until
today, cases of infection and tolls of death due to the virus is gradually increasing. Leaving us with
the question why? Why is the Philippines is still suffering from containing the virus despite the
administration’s efforts? Is it because of the people? Is it because the virus is hard to contain? Is it
because we lack discipline? The answer to all these questions is no. It is because of the arrogancy,
negligence, privilege, and lack of transparency of the administration that Filipinos still suffer in
this situation
The increase of cases here in the Philippines is due to the overall lack of response of the
administration into truly containing the virus. First, despite the admin’s claim that we are doing
well, the reality is that we are not. Many are dying and suffering due to their negligence. Many
Filipinos do not have equal access to health services and do not have the same financial capability
to pay for their hospital bills. While health workers are also underpaid despite being on the
frontlines sacrificing themselves to save the life of others. Second, we still have not done mass
testing yet despite protests. Although the admin has done its report on the increasing case of the
virus, it still does not help to fully contain it. Without it, we would not truly know how many of us
are infected, considering that many Filipinos go outside untested. Third, the implementation of
Face shields is useless and may even impose a greater risk for infection. If Face shields are truly
effective then why are the cases are still increasing? Fourth, vaccines are still slowly being
distributed to the public. Many are still misinformed about the benefits of the vaccines and refuse
to take them. However, many Filipinos are also still unvaccinated because of slow processing and
lack of access. Despite the country’s trillions of debts, the country is still reliant on donations. The
problem is not the vaccine hesitancy but the lack of transparency in budgeting that may have to
help us make vaccines much available to the public. Lastly, Quarantine is just an excuse to avoid
protest and prolong their time in their positions. As elections are nearly approaching, the admin
would avoid commotion to protect their image to maintain the number of their blind supporters.
They would use the pandemic as a reason for their reelection and exploit the situation to purposely
appear as an advocate of the people. Nevertheless, these reasons I presented are just one of the
many reasons that we should hold the administration accountable for their negligence and
arrogancy, which led to the death of many.
All things considered, as part of the young generation that is experiencing the hardship of
the situation, I would like to end this with a reminder to my fellow youth. Please believe in the
science and in the capability of the many researchers that worked hard in formulating the vaccine.
Regardless of the brand, please do get your vaccines when they are available. Moreover, deadlines
for voters are near, may we vote for the right leaders that will lead the country for the next six
years. It is our right to make a change and to demand change. Always remember that “Nasa Labas
ang laban, hindi na sa social media. Umaklas, Umalam, Mangialam, at Magbigay-alam ka dahil
nasa labas ang tunay na laban.” Thank you for listening.