NOW we know that, at least, our health situation is improving albeit slowly. We have shifted to an easier Alert Level 1 and authorities are mulling on declaring an Alert Level 0 or to a less awkward definition.

Not too fast, sirs. South Korea and other Asian countries are currently experiencing surges in Covid-19 variants and this trend may move to our country and (again) spike our numbers.

It is a bad habit for us Filipinos to jump the gun on everything. In our desire to enjoy the "new normal" we tend to be so complacent that we needlessly (and recklessly) put our guard down only to regret it later. Sus!

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The debates. Sonshine Media Network International or SMNI of Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy initiated the presidential debates 2022 featuring all the major presidential candidates. Here, former senator Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., participated.

In other debates like that sponsored by the Commission on Elections, Bongbong Marcos decided to skip it along with his runningmate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio. No reason was given for their absence. I just hope they will attend that initiated by presidential adviser on entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion dubbed Kandidatalks.

Debates are needed, but not mandatory and essential, so that voters may see deeply the character, skills and stock knowledge of those who aim to lead the country for the next six years. You cannot blame, therefore, the college students who were hoping to see and hear their candidates, including Marcos, Jr., and the younger Duterte.

Statement from the group of college students on candidates who refuse to debate their opponents in the coming election: This constant refusal is a deprivation of the Filipino people's right to gain knowledge on the presidential aspirants' vision for the country. Ouch!

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On the matter of surveys, these are done only to condition the minds of voters on who to vote and do not necessarily predict the winners on election day.

They set the trend and, yes, most voters follow it and give it credence and encourage other voters to follow suit.

For all we know, these surveys are commissioned and paid for by individuals who want only to satisfy their longing and be beholden to the candidates. Any bets, please?