Making himself subservient to multinational interests

Making himself subservient to multinational interests

By proving his worth as a vassal to multinational interests and of course, both US and Chinese imperialists would say that Duterte and his allies in the legislature, with the prodding of the IMF-trained technocrats and supported by a cheering squad of neoliberal apologists are aggressively pushing for the passage of amendments to the Public Security Act made by Congresswoman Garin.

This "reform", which he certified as "urgent" part of his legislative agenda, was approved last February 18, and like the recent writeup states that the amendment will remove utilities, transportation, and telecommunications from the definition of "public services" in order to enter foreign investments with the right of foreigners to take over existing enterprises engaging with those sectors. 

This scheme also demonstrates Duterte's subservience to finance capital and imperialism as the amendment as part of imposition by multinational interests to "completely liberalise" the economy that benefits foreign monopoly capitalists. 

But with the recent closure of Wells Fargo and Honda Motors in the Philippines and the leaving of its thousand Filipino workforce adrift would expose the other side of a foreign investment depended economy. "They're there when it's profitable for them and out when it's not" like what happened to Intel, Hanjin, and other multi/trans-nationals. It is not surprising, but there isn't anything the Philippine government can do to support them and keep them here. Not that it should.

And to think that these establishments end closed by their foreign owners out of their reorganisation, then this is the harshest lesson from neoliberal globalisation that thrives on international capital and outsourcing of global commodities to extract profits from the vast local-based workforce that's affected by the closure. This hard lesson such as brought by Honda would say that the country failed to promote domestic-based development by seriously taking the idea of industrialisation, the promotion of Filipino-initiated science and technology, and an active support for "really" local enterprises such as local automotive works, steel industry, and others of major importance to a really developing national economy. 

Anyway, to cite Sonny Africa of IBON, that "supporting Japanese, Finnish and US firms is for the Japanese, Finnish and US govts to do - which they've already done to make Honda, Nokia and Wells Fargo the giants they are today. (Even if the Finnish govt apparently recently decided to hang up on Nokia.)...It'd be different if these were a Filipino car manufacturer, cellphone maker, or financial firm. You know, if we'd done national industrialization and had these."

Perhaps once the amendment is passed, Duterte and his camarilla are set to profit from foreign contractors for unsolicited proposal and concessions that are to be negotiated. Compradores may also benefited from the amendment as well given its trade and commerce-centred field, all at the expense of the local industry. 

Rodrigo Duterte is not a "Revolutionary", Let alone an Orderist.

Rodrigo Duterte is not a "Revolutionary", 

Let alone an Orderist.

Rodrigo Duterte is a traditional politician accustomed to the political culture of a third world country. That is further complicated by his brand of populism focused on law and order, and even to his self-proclaimed "socialism" that's meant to appease the masses especially those who are "sick" and "tired" of the elite-led establishment.

However, it is not unsual for mainstream political figures like Duterte to praise the social and economic achievements such as those of a Socialist state. Other than his statement claiming himself as a "left winger" during a Commencement Exercise, his praise for Cuba for its healthcare system during his first cabinet meeting would say was one example of admiring its achievements from a country troubled by a foreign-imposed embargo and all, but again Duterte is not a revolutionary, let alone an orderist.

Moreover, the Philippines under Duterte's rule is more like a continuity of past administrations. Like his predecessors, he swore to upheld the order, but he has to make piecemeal reforms to appease the masses. And to think that his fanatics looked at him as a revolutionary figure as what ex-activist Nilo Tayag thinking of, they take their idol's anti-oligarch statements, or even the idea of a "revolutionary government" so seriously that they really asserted it in their demonstrations in front of Liwasang Bonifacio or at Mendiola.

But to think that the administration is more like a continuity of his predecessors, his statements denouncing the "oligarchs" is but empty phrases for on the first place he swore to upheld the order that's enjoyed by the oligarchs themselves- and that's far, way too far from being a "revolutionary."

Whatever the case may be, Duterte may acknowledge the changes brought by various countries be it Japan, China, Cuba. He may admire men like Putin, Xi, Castro, especially the latter with his healthcare programs or his defiance against US Imperialists. But the mere acknowledgement of their actions doesn't mean he can do it- for if he does he should be more than just a "presider". He may wish for his country to have a renaissance, but to see his own as a vassal of overlords like the United States and China, of finance hubs like the Shanghai Bund and of Wall Street, does it really make a change?

And in speaking of "change", did he denounce entirely the structure that benefits the oligarchs and the corrupt? Well, since he really took positively about extrajudicial acts as a deterrent to crime then why not take an extrajudicial act against the order? It is not simply not enough to praise a program that's brought out of being against the establishment altogether. Least Cuba's Castro did it. 

Also to think that the concerned people are seeing the reality behind Duterte's change, they find themselves being mocked as their dreams and hopes rather reduced to half baked realisation nor an empty rhetoric. For sure one would remember the "Jetski" promise that failed to realise or his "to end contractualisation" speech that end being shelved thinking "big businesses" will turn against him. His apologists would time and again trying to appease folks only to realise that the folks themselves ridicule their idol because of his statements or his unstatesman-like actions taken. Worse, just because of of being concerned for their communities gone imprisoned with false causes, or killed and "planted evidences" simply because of their belief in being a person for others.

Anyway, no matter these apologists justify in their social media posts or their "mini rallies" in Mendiola and Liwasang Bonifacio, the statements brought by Duterte would say that it failed to ring a bell and instead dismissed as empty rhetoric or half-baked action trying to appease a folk that's really desiring for a real kind of social and economic change. And although worth praising the infrastructure programs that  obviously didn't came from his, then shouldn't also be treated as a feat of an individual but a duty of the state to do public works and in ensuring welfare of the folk.

But again, these programs, "reforms", and rhetorics doesn't make him a revolutionary. He swore to upheld an order that benefits the banks with its moneylenders especially from Shanghai Bund and Wall Street, the conglomerates with trader-executives, the plantations and the politigoons, that again, makes him an orderist than what Tayag and his crew thinks of him.

"Poems for February 25"

"Poems for February 25"

"The fools brought by Duterte"

The fools brought by Duterte,
All converge in Mendiola,
They claim they are for freedom,
What freedom? as I think of.
Is it freedom for the workers-or the bankers?
and Liberty for the peasants-or the gangsters?
Redemption of the masses- or the gamblers?
And various thoughts from the reaction,
Claiming to be "they're for a revolution".

Find strange their angst against the order,
When their idol swore to defend with,
The "oligarch" obviously meant the opposition,
Than its entirety as I see on.
Oligarchs like Lopez, Pangilinan, and Ayala,
How about men like Uy, Tan, or those from the mierda?
They claimed land reform as successful,
Then how about those from Lorenzo or Floirendo?
They even promised industries to revive,
Then how come Honda is to be closed? Where's Jacinto?

Their "protest" continues to linger,
No matter how few they are,
The rest just waited for the porridge,
As the truck called "Duterte's kitchen" is coming for them.
The porridge is already prepared,
No matter how bland the taste would be,
The important is "no one will leave hungry",
Just make sure they support their Duterte.

On the other hand their rival marches,
All way from Plaza Bonifacio,
They are stubborn as been called,
As one of them spray paints calls from the center isle.
They are a mass of stubborn folks,
Waving their bright red flags,
Fist upraised as they chant their calls,
Such as ousting the orderist idol.

And carrying their effigies,
Featuring cursed versions of their idols,
Followed by agitating speeches,
Whose facts really pointed anger.
The effigies will then dowsed with gasoline,
As the music of protest been played overhearing the other,
Finally being burned into ashes and nothingness,
Reflecting the people's fervor.

The supporters of course,
Gone triggered by their opposing call,
Claiming they are paid hacks,
And barraging them with false news and all.
But this doesn't stop from seeing them gone few,
As their food trucks left,
Seeing the rest leave two and fro,
Satisfied with the porridge and a 500 Peso,

But having principles? I don't know.

"For the new Filipina"

Fist uprised the new Filipina,

Towards the horizon, to the light,

On paths pointing to the struggle,

Feet on the ground and facing the sky.

Affirming to the promise of freedom,

A new life meant to be won,

Defying the order, of its "traditions",

Revolting against their "modernity" and its delusions.

She will plough the warm soil,

And sow with new seeds,

Water, wait, and reap its fruits,

Create a new world, all born of hope and pain.

Let the rottenness be into nothingness,

As taking arms against the wretched,

For she care about the future coming,

For had enough of eternal yesterday!

For "Change is coming" found out to be nothing,

And that the "new society" is but infamy,

The "strong republic" is obviously weak in its foundations,

And the "straight path" turns out to be crooked.

Had enough for those bullshits,

Let these vanish into nothingness!

For the Filipina, had enough of enforced beauty and grace,

Wants to write the word WOMAN anew.

The WOMAN like Tandang Sora,

of Trinidad Pecson, Salud, and Gabriela,

Ditching the crown and sash for the beret and the firearm,

And joining the rest fighting that is, for a world to come.

And from her fight lies the peace.

A Farewell to Manila
(Inspired from the First Quarter Storm)

Farewell my Manila,
Farewell that bustling city of youth,
For the order is searching for us concerned,
Had enough of hiding from the thugs and wolves.
Comrades are leaving,
And thus called me,
As they set off to the countryside,
Hoping to return in your heart.

For it its you who exploited like the workers,
And you binded like criminals,
But with your heritage, your ideals,
Like flames all burning in one's heart.
Worth admiring your modernity,
With all the glass and steel monstrosity,
But what keeps me worry,
Is the rottness behind thy glory.

Farewell, my Manila,
But my friends will remain with you,
They'll try to seek truth from facts,
This is the revenge that we ask of you.
Against those who drive us away,
With all their infamous lies,
But soon the wretched order be damned,
As actions will stir them out bye.

Today the order's gone crazed,
For been searching us through,
Colleagues going from town to town,
Hill to hill fighting against the wretched foe.
Promoting peace amongst the masses,
And war against the fascists,
Solidarity amongst the concerned peoples,
Rage towards the order and its sheeples.

Manila, your order makes the people someone else's slaves,
As your heritage end offended,
As if insulted the forefathers,
Like Dimasalang and Plaridel.
Farewell my Manila,
Farewell my friends,
Farewell my cherished city,
For the clarion of battle calls.

We will meet again as freedom takes its place.

"Ambush"

I don't know what they looked like,

I don't even know their names,

But I know when they come, they greet, 

Find them friendly as they meet;

However I remember the news overhearing,

These same people who are kept on waiting,

For a convoy of thugs that's approaching,

In the dirt road almost near the village coming;

There are trucks, an armored car,

Full of men and guns all going to war,

But for the one waiting nevermind the fear,

As the guns ready to fire at them, 

If not the bomb ready to kill.

The convoy is fast approaching, 

Not knowing there's a bomb hiding,

In the dirt road ready for the detonating;

The armored car followeth first, 

Then army trucks following,

But as the first truck approaches,

So was the trigger presses;

Boom! Came the truck exploding,

And the air was lit by the torch of people fighting.

The men end in disarray as their colleagues suffering,

As their convoy end in the ambuscade they're approaching,

The clarion resound as their foe began shooting,

Against the unprepared and disorganised thugs struggling;

I don't know what happened, and why they took the decision,

Perhaps coming from an old rage, from nameless generations,

that cried out for vengeance, hardened their hearts,

Willing to resist against the foes that taketh their communities apart.

The ambush was their battle.

The battle was so intense,

That the enemy failed to counter their fires,

The armored car tried to steer back but failed to support their colleagues,

Instead trying to collect the wounded and dead from the site;

The smell of burning flesh amongst the dead,

Made the men can't withstand and wanting to retreat,

The resistance kept on firing until the foe left out,

Leaving a few of their men, their guns,

Tending the remaining wounded, seeing the goodness they failed to see. 

But despite the fight they still come and go to the community,

And they still bear the same smile in their faces,

For the masses sees them as saviours no matter the action taken,

"Better than before they came" as one folk says often;

They find them better than the thugs that once came over,

With one of them stole a chicken and raped, killed a maiden by the other,

These tales filled the rage as they wished to see a red fighter,

To punish these thugs and bandits behind the carnage and slaughter.

Notes on House Bill No. 78: Another way of giving up patrimonies for pieces of silver

Notes on House Bill No. 78: Another way of giving up patrimonies for pieces of silver

For sure those who favour an "open economy" even at the expense of national sovereignty rejoices as the House of Representatives agrees in full foreign ownership in utilities especially those of Power Generation, Transportation, and Communications.

For basing from the decision of the congress allowing foreigners to have full ownership in utilities and transport, one would say that a portion of national patrimony is been denationalised in the name of private interest.

And it may sound usual, for like the suggestions given by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank would say that the House Bill wanted to remove restrictions on foreign ownership when it comes to utilities and transport, regardless of its consequences such as making Filipinos being at the mercy of foreign firms.

Ironically, the creator of House Bill No. 78 and Chairwoman of House Committee on Economic Affairs Sharon Garin, was also the creator of House Bill No. 300 that allowed foreign professionals to work in the country. Sounds neoliberal isn't she? What more that when apologists would share her statements like "gaining fresh perspective", "new knowledge", "broadening skill", "competition", even at the expense of domestic knowledge and enterprise.

And to think that Garin herself comes from a partylist that represented "marginalised farmers", is she using a group of marginalised farmers for neoliberal goals? Wouldn't be surprised if agrarian reform is been disposed in favor of letting multinationals take over agriculture at the expense of smallholders, of multinational companies over small-and-medium enterprises, an unfettered kind of capitalism apologists would say "has no boundaries."

Also to think how odd that from these people, in being awed by foreign capital as a panacea for economic problems are as if these as less self-interested and profit-seeking than those of its domestic counterparts. That investors like Newscorp's Rupert Murdoch, Hormel's James Snee, and others within the multinational-transnational corporate scene enter without any restriction with apologists praising "that they will beat oligarchs two and fro without the state"; well in that case, are they sure they won't do anything in their power to make as much profits to send in their respective headquarters abroad?

Well, it doesn't matter for them that the biggest chunk of their profits goes to their respective home countries. One apologist however, "attempts" to "resolve" the problem by telling that the state must act as a supervisor "with regulatory powers" and with the privilege to take over "in times of national emergency". This idea would say that the state has a semblance of being an intervenor despite the obvious selling out of utilities to foreigners-"To ensure compliance of Philippine economic laws and regulations that there will be no monopoly or oligopoly" as the justification says, while its actual practise would be far from its statement.

But despite their justifications come to think of this: that by replacing a domestic oligarch with those of a foreigner is all but "meet the new boss, same as the old boss" kind of scenario, and "They didn't become as big as they are by playing nice" as the saying goes. And because of that, can and how the people able to stop utilities, transport, and telecommunications companies from being more expensive and inaccessible than they should be especially under foreign control? It may end as same as the domestic oligarchs do if that's the case, excerting even more economic and even political influence through concessions and all.

And since utilities, transport, and telecoms be at the hands of these foreigners, what would be next? Agriculture? Media? Construction activities? For sure even education institutions may also end at the hands of foreigners with apologists claiming about "opening the economy" as the bestest way to improve the country's economy even at the expense of domestic enterprise. As other countries demand a return to protecting their patrimonies and focus on domestic development, the Philippines that's still under the hands of domestic oligarchs, corrupt bureaucrats, and multinational conglomerates ever continuing its neoliberal policies rather aggravates its continuing past problems.

All after Duterte, Bato, and the Visiting Forces Agreement

All after Duterte, Bato, and the Visiting Forces Agreement

(and how people took this matter with a grain of salt)

The recent February 6's Senate hearing about the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement has left the people in a myriad of reactions: The administration's supporters did agree about on the basis of "national interest" while those who oppose are whether on the basis of "depriving of support for military modernisation/regional security" if not seeing its motives as "politically motivated". 

With these reactions, especially in a time short of justifying further the regime's statement, followed by a Senate deliberation of the issue, would say that the order's vague terms of "negative impact to US-RP ties" rather parrots the message Duterte brought.

But the major question is: with all these bullshits brought about by Duterte, and the Filipino anxiousness to see about an agreement being terminated, is the termination really for the people's interest or an excuse by the regime? 

Seeing "wrong" and "right" reasons to junk

This matter started with the recent passage of the Magnitsky act from the United States which involved barring off members of the Duterte administration to enter the the country. And one government official involved was Senator Roland "Bato" Dela Rosa, who confirmed the cancellation of his U.S. Visa by the American authorities. 

In response, President Duterte threatened to terminate the VFA on the basis of "national interest". From there his fanatics initially had mixed reactions to his decision, especially after having friendly rapports with U.S. President Donald Trump. On the other hand, there are those who oppose the abrogation of the agreement, citing China's intrusion on the disputed islands in the West Philippine Sea, as well as the existing terrorism problem that requires foreign military support. 

But in using Dela Rosa's cancellation of his U.S. Visa as an alibi to abrogate the agreement is but a mockery of "national interest" stated by Duterte. In fact, that the struggle to abrogate the VFA, the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and its earlier agreement like the Mutual Defence Treaty has been relevant till present citing these as indication of neocolonial dominance through military, political, and economic intervention. 

Furthermore the agreements stated includes allowing U.S. forces to bring and perhaps stockpiling nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction, exempts from taxes and tariffs, setting up facilities that requires removing communities, and the clearing of its personnel from criminal liabilities. The Subic rape case of Daniel Smith, and the death of Jennifer Laude by Joseph Pemberton were examples that involves the interference of the U.S. Forces in avoiding their personnel to serve their sentence issued by the Philippine justice system. These and more would say became reasons in opposing the agreements (VFA, EDCA, MDT) and its outright call for its abrogation. 

Seeing comments two and fro

As expected, the statement Duterte brought really created mixed reactions from the people-that even some of his supporters do recognise the need for an ally against an emerging eastern rival. 

For supporters of the VFA and its related agreements, the purpose of foreign military support (if not an "aid") was more than just further training military officers to operate modern military equipment if not to improve its firepower, but rather a bilateral military cooperation in fighting terrorism as well as drug trafficking, human trafficking and other cross-border crimes. 

Furthermore, the agreement also promotes "development" in a form of support for public works as welfare packages through USAID, and even assistance during calamities. Most notable of all is the Super Typhoon Haiyan or Yolanda in November 2013 or seven years ago when the Philippine government was literally paralyzed into inaction due to its leadership then. This and other related agreements would say served as a substitute for the former Bases which the U.S. Forces stationed for decades until its closure in 1992.

And also to think that for decades past that the United States was the first and foremost "supporter" in bolstering Filipino defences, would say that most Filipinos would rather cling to its Yankee ally no matter how old the weapon and armour given to them, nor the atrocity being done from its past, for after all, Filipinos happened to be "forgiving" and "forgetting" these instances occured.

But on the other hand, that by depending on the aid given by the United States it seems that the Philippines has forgot its struggle for self-reliance. For sure there are once students in Armed Forces Defence College and Cadets in the Philippine Military Academy who seriously adhere to the idea of reemphasising the need for self-reliance not just in the manufacturing of weapons and armour but also in the change of strategy and tactics in order to lessen if not entirely rely on foreign support such as those of a foreign coloniser. 

Of course there would be instances of procuring firearms abroad, even Mainland China does procuring weapons including those from the United States, but unlike the Philippines would say that the country rather prioritise its domestic arms production and the importance of their studies be taken into practise especially those of strategy and tactics. Imagine, during World War II while the Philippines still romanticise Bataan and Corregidor and its much-awaited convoy of American forces and materiel the Chinese stressed the importance of guerilla warfare in resisting against the Japanese invaders. For sure the government would still brag that the country stil takes that self-reliance defence program seriously, but the question is, when will it be more than just objects of curiosity? For sure the Armed Forces taketh pride in its Hari Digma and Kalakian, of Sumpak, Tagak, and its Project Santa Barbara; but these projects rather left in its prototype stage after being mothballed or disapproved while Guerilla warfare, whilst recognised as the ideal mode given the terrain of the country, as being frowned by higher officials who prefers a continuity of reliance in foreign aid, using words like "regional security" and the likes while its neighbours taketh seriously their self-defence programs including those of studying strategy and tactics suitable for their settings. Even Australia does this through its "Defence of Australia Policy" that focused on the defence of continental Australia against external attack.

Pardon for the thought but in reading a variety of comments, be it for or against would say that they do truly wanted to defend their country, but the problem is this: since Duterte himself junked the agreement on the basis of what he said "national interest", what should Filipinos do then? Whine? Romanticise the past from time and again? Or think harder about the need for a new defence policy which emphasise the need for self-reliance in defending its patrimony? Anyway, Trump doesn't matter much about those agreements. But since Duterte did junked those, his American counterpart rather nod in it, thinking of it as "saving a lot of money" if not wanting for a renegotiation to happen. 


Still, country above all

Like any other statement, Duterte's outburst may consider rather as another item from his long list of irrationally-driven arbitrary orders that's given verbally. Panelo, Esperon, et al. may tried their "best" to dismiss that "presidential rant" while Duterte's self-proclaimed "radicals", mostly ex-activists" would claim that their idol president as doing his "nationalist" task despite its obvious reason.

Yet, despite these statements would say that Duterte et al. would end worrying that with the Magnitsky act being enforced and thus includes Dela Rosa in the list of officials to be barred by the United States, it is no wonder that the megalomaniac known by fans as "Tatay Digong" is antagonised and irked.  With this, it also corresponds to the growing infamy of the administration in general.

It is also to think that the U.S. Government is known to withdraw support from its puppets when the latter becomes irrevocably unpopular from the people. It is unsurprising, for with all the existing actions brought about by Duterte and his camarilla, and the growing movement against him, would say that the threat of an ouster would be likely- making Duterte lean further towards to China as an "ally" despite the latter's weaponisation of finance through various infrastructure projects in order to make Philippines fell into its debt trap.
Will Duterte and his apologists continue to pretend being "patriots" while continue being vassals to both the United States and China?

***

Admittingly speaking, this writer opposes agreements which perpetuates vassalage that's well-hidden in its paraphrased verses. Be it the Mutual Defence Treaty, the Visiting Forces Agreement, or the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement, these agreements, despite its supposed goal of bolstering defences and promote cooperation, rather letting Americans decide instead of Filipinos is not a form of "partnership" but rather forcing Filipinos to become vassals according to the client's whims. 

But, to use Dela Rosa's cancellation of his Visa, what more of the blacklist of his supporters in the government as its pretext? What a mockery of those who did really fought against it- especially to those who did protest in the streets against those agreements which continues this decades-old vassalage. 

"Expose Duterte's utter disregard for Public Health and Welfare amidst Coronavirus Outbreak!"

"Expose Duterte's utter disregard for Public Health and Welfare 

amidst Coronavirus Outbreak!"

By Kat Ulrike

At first, it is quite lamenting that the Filipino people are now on the receiving end after President Rodrigo Duterte's utter disregard for the country's welfare especially after the 2019 Novel Coronavirus outbreak. From his indifference shown and the downplaying statements, Duterte has made aloofness a policy, spurning responsibility as a head of state to take action against the possible spread of virus which has now hit various countries.

By emphasising China's relation over those of the people's welfare, Duterte rather focus on his vested interests until widespread condemnation hath forced the administration to accede to a travel ban from the virus' country of origin- as the World Health Organisation declared the virus outbreak a Public Health Emergency, with governments around the world, including China have decidedly taken immediate, if not drastic measures to control the spread of virus.

However, despite this, Duterte's utter disregard to focus on the people's welfare has aggravated popular criticism. That with his "business as usual" policy instead of immediate procurement of gas masks, along with a decreased budget on health and social services especially for the poor has showed the failure to support efforts in controlling the spread of disease.

With this, the concerned has made the present administration accountable for its initial aloofness and johnny-come-lately approach to this matter as opposed to its active stance during the past years that controlled the spread of diseases such as "Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome" SARS, "Middle East Respiratory Syndrome" MERS, and others. And along with a widespread campaign in taking precautions the concerned must also push for government health and welfare subsidies especially for the poor who are vulnerable to these problems, and to remain vigilant especially against those who are using this virus outbreak as a tendency to exploit and bleed the people.

"Of virus outbreaks, racial sentiments, and an aloof government"

"Of virus outbreaks, racial sentiments, and an aloof government"

(Or: "Notes after Wuhan Coronavirus and how Filipinos faced the problem")

It seems that the outbreak of the Wuhan Coronavirus has brought scrutiny thanks scrutiny especially to the Mainlanders who are greatly affected by the problem. Ranging from articles that are hyperbolic, fear-mongering, up to those which are blatantly misleading, fear through misnformation has been the order of the day-as fast as a viral pathogen that can spread all over.

However, in the Philippines, this matter has been downplayed so much by an administration that prioritises much of its interests. For as the outbreak continues to seen and heard throughout, the present Duterte administration chose to downplay-letting conncerned sectors deal with themselves especially those of Chinese Schools that opted to close their facilities as most of their students came from China after the lunar new year festival. Stores, however, find themselves in a problem as gas mask supply shortages occurred. 

But for most Filipinos, this outbreak is been further aggravated as commentators in social media sites  laced their notes with racist sentiment especially after they see and describe mainlanders as synonymous with the contested islands in West Philippine Sea, Illegal Drugs, Gambling, and even improper decorum and disrespect to property. Quite provoking, especially from a recent article about someone pooping in public or how mainlanders kidnapped their fellow on broad daylight; what more that these issues may also include some Filipino-Chinese folks trying to set a line between themselves and the mainlanders on the basis of how they treat their adopted homeland especially in regards to obeying laws, respect to heritage, and even proper decorum. 

However, that as time goes by and fear been trying to be subsided with advisories and announcements, people are trying to be vigilant not just in ensuring their health but also those of others, reminding not just wearing masks but also in the frequent washing of hands and the use of alcohol. In fact, started from the ashfall from Taal to this virus outbreak the supply of gas masks became a problem especially to those who ought to buy; so is Medical-grade alcohol, soaps, and hand sanitisers.
But despite these this doesn't end the hysteria brought by this outbreak. That by seeing mainlanders as unclean and improper in its movements of course they would easily describe them as a source of that problem. As comments and observations see and hear of Chinese nationals, be it mainlander or Filipino-Chinese as being shunned and treated with utter disgust for being who they are. And on some cases, those who had the appearance similar to a Chinese as being ostracized and stayed away from. Quite lamenting tho in seeing some Filipino folks expressing bigotry, worse, to see demanding a progrom. 

Anyway, despite all these would say that the coverage of Coronavirus outbreaks from various news outlets reflects a real concern if not seeing an overreaction from most Filipinos. But come to think that this issue shouldn't be laced with racial prejudices, but instead expose the inconveniences, the laxness brought about by an order who supposed to ensure the health and welfare of its constituents- that sometimes even at the expense of foreign relations. 

And as a writer, that all after seeing news reports would say that the laxness of the Duterte administration is way too different from the proactive stance during the SARS, MERS, and Bird Flu outbreaks coming from past administrations as words like "Quarantine" been less used in regards to this present matter. For sure Duterte et al. did recognise the problem tho, but why on earth he had to downplay it? Is it because of economic importance that meant to be upheld?

Wouldn't be surprised if that's the case.