Where are we, really?

Photo credit: Philippine Information Agency

‘The streets are more empty, more dark, in the past two nights; some people, afraid of infection, are asking others to stay at home. Others, who need to work, fear a lockdown’

By Dana Batnag

A year after the lockdown, some courts and government offices are closed for disinfection after someone tested positive for COVID-19; so is the Senate.

The Presidential spokesman announces he is positive for COVID-19;  the heads of the police and the drug enforcement agency have recently tested positive as well. The Interior and Local Government Secretary, who contracted the veerus weeks ago, is reportedly recuperating but has yet to report for work or make a public appearance.

The Philippine capital has reimposed a 10pm - 5am curfew and a liquor ban, and gyms and spas are closed.

At least two hospitals in the National Capital Region have said they are full.

The streets are more empty, more dark, in the past two nights; some people, afraid of infection, are asking others to stay at home. Others, who need to work, fear a lockdown.

A year since the lockdown, what have we learned? Three hundred and sixty five days ago the government said, "tiwala lang" but what have they done since then? Nasaan na ang perang inutang na pang-bakuna?

The Philippines has the highest number of cases among its neighbors in the Asean, and was among the last, if not the last, to start vaccination.

To those who don't get it, ito ang malinaw na: those who don't learn from history are bound to repeat it.

The author is a journalist and lawyer