AFTER THE wrath of super typhoon “Odette”, the parols were still intact and we were able to celebrate Christmas and the New Year despite the fact that we’re still in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic.
Things were already looking good. The cases were down, the shops, malls and restaurants were opening up and people were feeling optimistic that we have finally contained the virus. And then the inevitable happened.
I’ll just park these to give you foreplay of what we’ll be talking about down the line:
Article 11 Section 18 of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines
The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion. In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, he may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law.
Public safety means the health and safety of members of the public and the safety of their property. It also means the protection of the general population from all manners of significant danger, injury, damage, or harm.
A pandemic is a disease outbreak that spreads across countries or continents. It affects more people and takes more lives than an epidemic i.e. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic when it became clear that the illness was severe and that it was spreading quickly over a wide area.
The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, also known as the Bayanihan Act, and officially designated as Republic Act No. 11469, is a law in the Philippines that was enacted in March 2020 granting the President additional authority to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines.
By now you most probably have an idea we’re where we are going into with this column but first, a little more foreplay to really get you into the mood.
There’s now a mutation or variant of the virus COVID-19 aptly called OMICRON and the experts say it is several notches more contagious than the previous mutation, DELTA.
OMICRON is now literally taking Europe and the United States by storm and has already entered the Philippines.
Just after the holidays when we were still feeling that Christmassy hangover the COVID-19 positive case in the country started going up, most particularly in Metro Manila now in Alert Level 3. The last time I looked from a hundred or less positive cases nationwide, we have reached more than 17,000 new cases already and still counting.
The Philippines is now categorized as a high risk country.
So what happened?
The government has been doing all it can to keep this virus at bay; the vaccination program is ongoing and so far 110,875,575 million doses have already been administered with 57,328,625 first dose and 51,085,070 complete doses and 2,461,880 booster dose and counting . By the time you read this column the numbers I mentioned would have already more than doubled as vaccinations are going on nationwide every day.
Tried and tested medical protocols are in place and enforced i.e. wearing of facemask (properly, of course), washing or disinfecting hands and social distancing.
It all started with people feeling complacent, letting their guard down. Just because you’re vaccinated it does not mean that you’re COVID-19 proof; it means that you won’t be severely ill, hospitalized, infect others or die, but you still have to follow the protocols.
The fools just have to party as if there’s no tomorrow.
This happened: a certain Gwyneth Chua just arrived from the United States skipped quarantine before her RT-PCR test results came out and partied in bars in Makati City. Result: she is COVID-19 positive and infected more than 15 people where she partied.
The temerity and gall and the “nerve” (courtesy of Leni Robredo) of this entitled brat! She should be jailed in isolation (of course) with the key thrown away.
Meanwhile, “I Am Iloilo City” is now in Alert Level 3 till this weekend, although cases are still down from zero to less than 20 – meaning we’re still safe and holding on.
The natives of “I Am Iloilo City” are almost or 100% vaccinated and they’re now doing boosters and vaccinating the minors, which mean that COVID-19 has been contained in Iloilo City.
So whether you like him or not, emotional sometimes volatile leadership included, Mayor Jerry Treñas got us through the pandemic and kept the virus at the gates, and we are grateful.
And speaking of leadership and political will, President Rodrigo Duterte should declare a national emergency. Is there anything more compelling than this surge or third wave? Just declare martial law, suspend the elections until such time when the COVID positive cases go down to a minimal level, and require all citizens to be vaccinated and boosted.
Above all, strictly enforce – and I mean seriously enforce – the medical protocols and have the violators and anti-vaxxers arrested and make them work in the COVID-19 ward to take care of the infected patients.
By the way, if you agree with me, lovely then. If you disagree, I really don’t care. (brotherlouie16@gmail.com)/PN
