WHEN an author wants to remain anonymous, we respect his decision to remain unknown. We could only wish the writer identified himself, especially when we admire his literary work.
There are donors of charitable institutions who do not want to be among the listed philanthropists, in cognizance perhaps, of the teaching in the Bible, “Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”
Lotto owners choose to be unnamed for safety and security reasons. Since the number game is managed by the government, there are quarters that prefer the owner of the winning lottery ticket be revealed.
There are existing laws that allow the identity of rape victims to be withheld. A patient’s privacy is protected as well.
Anonymity could either be a virtue or contingency. To remain unknown is practical in some instances. However, it could be a hindrance in search for the truth.
Dr. Lulu Bravo, a Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist, who was interviewed on CNN, underlined the importance of evidence-based communication. Amid fake, misinformation and miscommunication on the issue of coronavirus, we should be doubly careful in our reporting.
In my opinion, not naming those who contracted the virus slows down the process of contact tracing. Revealing the patients creates awareness of those whom the patient came in contact within the last 48 hours or so thus, compelling them to voluntarily submit themselves to medical examination or to home quarantine. Revelation of the patients’ names likewise allay fears that the rapid increase of COVID-19 cases is just a diversionary tactic by this administration.
A Senate committee headed by Sen. Richard Gordon recently conducted a hearing on the alleged anomalies connected to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (Pogo). The Senate wanted the closure of the offshore gaming industry claiming that Pogo has increased illegal and criminal activities in the country. President Rodrigo Duterte believes otherwise. In the same venue, Sen. Ping Lacson revealed that there are 3,000 Chinese soldiers pretending to be Pogo workers in the country.
Some legislators questioned the Department of Health in addressing the COVID-19 threat and the more than a billion additional budget. While there are challenges ahead on the socio-economic impact as an offshoot of the virus scare, we expect this government to be forthcoming in dealing with other pressing problems needing equal attention.