"I made a mistake and I am sorry."
"I made a mistake and I am sorry."
When President Rodrigo Duterte declared an enhanced community quarantine for Metro Manila and Luzon, my greatest fear was not that I might contract the virus but that I would be unable to check whatever I read on the Internet and social media, and what I hear on the radio. I knew it was possible for me to commit mistakes or fall victim to fake news.
And this was exactly what happened last Saturday, when I wrote about Chinese in Boracay. I said that this was not only criminal but that it could indicate that we were already a province of China. I blamed Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat for it, adding that she should be fired.
It turned out that the article on which I based that column had actually come out in February, when Chinese from Wuhan could still come to the Philippines, and use a special flight to go to Boracay.
I admit my mistake and apologize for it. I will be more careful next time.
* * *
There have been many depressing reports about the pandemic’s impact on the Philippines. The numbers show we are a long way from beating the virus.
But while there is a lot of bad news, somehow I am glad that the number of recovered patients has now exceeded the number of deaths.
The best news of all is the fact that some health experts are saying the spread of the virus has been in control in the Philippines, and that the curve may soon be flattened.
I am praying so hard for this to happen.
The problem is that despite the lockdown, there are many Filipinos who continue to go out and walk around, defying the quarantine rules. This is the problem of Filipinos—a lack of discipline.
I am not advocating martial law, but during these times, we need to sacrifice and follow the rules for our common good.
This is why China was able to fight the pandemic despite the fact that it was its first epicenter. Now Wuhan has returned to normal.
Experts also say that this is why the United States has become the new epicenter of the pandemic—they always invoke human rights, my gulay!
We don’t need martial law to win this war. But we need discipline.
* * *
I lived through World War II and I think life was easier then. This is because back then, we knew who the enemy was. Now you cannot tell when the coronavirus will strike you, or even who is carrying it.
During the war, you needed to bow to the Japanese when you saw them, but you could still watch stage shows in theaters!
It was only when my family decided to join my two older brothers who were members of the USAFIL-NL that we experienced hunger and danger.
* * *
I cannot understand why some senators are pushing for the resignation of Health Secretary Francisco Duque for his shortcomings in the fight against COVID-19.
This is not the time for finger-pointing and blame-throwing. The senators should just help Duque do his job better.
I think Duque is trying his best.
The response of the President is timely. In the fight against COVID-19, all Filipinos must come together for the common good.
Speaking of resignations, it would be interesting to know the true reasons that moved Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia to quit. Please, Mr. Pernia, tell us why you resigned.