Fetalvero: In the name of Covid-19

THERE are several things done in the name of Covid-19. We have to be health-conscious and physically fit. In order to be compliant with health protocols, we must be obedient and disciplined at all times. We have to curtail some of our freedom in accepting the new normal.

In the name of Covid-19, we are expected to be sensitive to the needs of others and generous in giving financial assistance. We are also bound to respect spaces for social distancing so that others may stay healthy and safe.

What else do we have to do in the name of Covid-19? We have to resort to online learning. We are required to listen to news updates on any development regarding the pandemic. We have to bring with us lots of energy and patience when we have to fall in line and wait for hours to get a ride or at the long lines in supermarkets.

In order to regain our economy, we have to be innovative. Beat the competition by quick delivery. Due to Covid-19, online or telemarketing has become successful fallbacks.

As the demand for bikes went up, the Department of Trade and Industry had to intervene. The law of supply and demand cannot be applied during the pandemic. As Filipinos decided to change hobbies, the cost of plants skyrocketed.

We noted the suspension of some government services. Barangay hearings of complaints involving feuding parties were suspended. The impounding of stray dogs was likewise put on hold. The reason for the suspension — Covid-19.

There were several reports of alleged irregularities in the disbursement and distribution of financial aid. There are even insinuations that the stimulus packages implementing the Special Amelioration Program of the government may be used for the coming elections in 2022. Emergency budgetary requirement ballooned to billions of pesos. Our international debt went up to trillions of dollars while our national budget for 2021 went up to trillions of pesos. These were all justified in the name of Covid-19.

The World Health Organization has pledged to give financial assistance to countries in distress due to the worldwide health crisis. The Philippines has a history of taking advantage of whatever kind of crisis to get financial aid from abroad. In the 1960s, former dictator President Ferdinand Marcos reportedly used the NPA threat to get financial assistance from the United State of America. This was reported in the book “Turmoil and Triumph,” written by former US Secretary of State George Shultz.