"Continuing agony through an Unlikely priority"

"Continuing agony through an Unlikely priority"

(Thoughts after Duterte's emphasis on orderism
over the welfare of the people suffering from COVID19 pandemic)

AS time goes by, the Duterte regime continues to incite hatred against the folk by prioritising his (misguided) pet agenda of "law and order" than those of ensuring the welfare of his people. Basing much on his recent statements with a long line of controversial remarks, the president is seemingly pursuing the direction that's terrorism and repression as the number of Filipinos infected with COVID19 virus continues to rise rapidly.

Based on reports, the number of infections have again reached 5000 a day one year since declaring a national emergency indicates that the government failed to manage, control this coronavirus pandemic. That despite numerous "quarantine" modes (lockdowns, checkpoints, and curfews), the regime has failed to pursue drastic measures such as, rapid contact tracing, mass testing, immediate treatment, and mass vaccination. Worse, dismissing popular clamour prior to his "late realisation" such as those stated.

It is not surprising that the regime really prefers to treat this COVID19 pandemic in a (misguided) law and order viewpoint. With his militarist lockdowns, checkpoints, and curfews, no matter how it is proved a dismal failure will still be insisted. His supporters initially downplay the need for mass testing and rapid contact tracing until its realisation, but still continues to cling to the president's statements that doesn't help except to gaslight. Imagine, the pandemic response was dismal as opposed to the much-focused campaign against the opposition, especially those of the left. It is also not suprising that with his past comparisons to Hitler and Marcos meant he is willing to slaughter and at the same time claiming he is for "development". That development, of course, is both bloodied and debt-driven as his administration borrows from moneylenders all for his "developmental projects" that forces people to pay for decades, and guarded by his attack dogs amidst popular disapproval. 

As more and more Filipinos continue to suffer both from the pandemic and the state's mismanagement, coupled with its brand of terror, expect it aggravating further no matter how its apologists trying to dismiss as "promoting disunity" or justifying the measure as as a "necessary move" in restoring order and control especially amidst the crisis. While claiming that they're "defending freedom and democracy" on various comments their idol's terror against the opposition and concerned folks alike have become more vicious and deadly these past few months. The recent "bloody Sunday" and other related acts showeth the order's focus  on its “whole of nation approach". With the Anti-Terror Act in place, and Duterte's Task Force having extraordinary powers and funds, it has become more emboldened to wage its campaign of suppression- that aside from its armed forces and the police, the judiciary, other government agencies, and local government units, as being mobilised, treated as pawns in its pursuit of suppressing dissent be it in the Metro Manila or in other regions such as CALABRAZON and in Bicolandia.

***

But despite these serious issues people suddenly getting concerned, the orderists will remain confident on what Duterte has administered the country. For sure some would describe the administration's way of running the country as comparable to an injured person having a plaster cast while recovering. Sounds “Greek” knowing that Duterte’s use of force and the presentation of development is comparable to those of Papadopoulos and his promotion of “strength” as means to create an atmosphere of peace and recovery. 
However, this presentation of strength is not because of defending national sovereignty and the people. This is all about maintaining entrenched interests- be it Ayala, Pangilinan, or Duterte's own Dennis Uy, these interest-seekers, along with those in the government, has to keep firm in “what they invest” even at the expense of the folk. Of course they would provide concessions to the majority- despite sensing the obvious reason as to “shut them up” in a form of infrastructure, some semblance of agrarian reform, or piecemeal welfare packages; but again, these and other "benevolent acts" are means to “shutting people up” especially when the folk getting concerned after someone exposes inconsistencies of the order when it comes to ensuring the welfare and of the common good. 

Sorry for the thought, for as Duterte’s brand of orderism tends to be not driven by the desire of change- it is plain simple “continuity of a past with modern amenities and piecemeal concessions”. Like Papadopoulos’s Greece, it has to showcase strength in promoting peace, like Salazar’s Portugal, it has to showcase development to generate progress, but the very society remains backward while its folk be at the mercy of the prevailing elites that ruled through centuries past. 

And to think that there are those who speak much about reform, especially those of neoliberalists, this doesn’t even tantamount to “bigger and greater changes”. Easily accommodating to neoliberal economic policies, they think depending on "foreign direct investments" and less regulations (especially those on labour) means making the pie bigger for both local and international interest seekers while telling the folk they’re “trickling down” to the vast mass of society. But despite their presentations a concerned rather sees this as “as it is”. True that there’s some semblance of development that’s ongoing (especially those of infrastructure), but does it benefit the folk? Or just some concession meant to shit the majority up in a time of growing disquiet? Wages are low, costs of living remained high, contrary to the claims that “food is cheap” when in fact prices of every commodity increases. Corruption remains rampant, be it as obvious or “done silent and clean” Expect protests of course, but will the order just accept their pleas? Nope! Expect a beating of a truncheon, prison, or worse, a shallow grave and be marked as “killed by a communist” or whatsoever just to escape their complicit in their bloodied action. 

***

Regardless of what orderists insist or its preemptive responses, upsurge in calls for accountability and immediate address of social concerns continues to resound. But to think that the orderists rather chose to be hell-bent in destroying the growing opposition with illegal arrests and murders, this doesn't stop the fact that the regime's way of handling the situation, be it this militaristic lockdown "quarantine" to those of all out terror is nothing but misguided priorities that aggravate tension, hunger, suffering against the folk the way words like "healing the wounds", "reconciliation", "recovery", or even "hope", as nothing but ruses that's dismissible. 

“To a home that’s most dear to us”

 “To a home that’s most dear to us”

Warm, patriotic, greetings.

In this five hundredth year of Christianity in the Philippines, it is extremely dear to Filipinos this faith brought by Spain. That for centuries, the Filipinos has showeth exemplary benevolence toward the Catholic Faith and Christian civilization, of supporting its institutions and its works, all despite its shortcomings and actions that was, detrimental to the faith and aspirations of the Filipinos.

But, like most foreign influences that came to the islands, its people made it ‘Filipino’ and became part of its identity, and that identity is manifested in its ever-growing faith as in the olden times, that as any other faith that stood in this country, is so intimately connected that one feel doubly afflicted in witnessing the deplorable endeavors that for some time have been continually repeated to deprive this beloved nation, with her faith, or its civil grandeur that’s needed most.

Sorry for the thought, for the fact that the country has facing both the tremor of the order and this malady brought by the coronavirus pandemic, that the Filipino puts its trust in faith the way it puts in science. Some months ago, devotees of the Black Nazarene converged in Quiapo despite numerous advisories from the authorities. That, despite urging not to come due to the pandemic, these faithful were driven by faith to come and pray. There were cases of not wearing masks or not following social distancing procedures just to express their faith amidst this pandemic problem. Of course, expect critics two and fro, ranging from other beliefs to those of local government/church inaction during that said event. 

But did this diminishes the faith of these devotees? No! From their actions, if not their words would say that their trust in the Lord means hopes of "healing" and "recovery" from the coronavirus pandemic. For sure one cannot forget the wiping of their cloths to the icon as reminiscent of venerating their ancestors, that the black features of the icon as reminiscent of the prehispanic Bul-ol and of the soil of the country, that from their rosaries and medals like those of St. Benedict reminds of the prehispanic Agimat and the Anting Anting, that their wishes and hopes became prayers that begged for healing, forgiveness to whom they call as beneficence, lord of pardon, or any other title that's for the Lord. 

***

However, this note expresses both hope and concern especially in this time of crisis. That as Filipinos and as Christians, this commemoration of 500 years of Christianity taking root in the country by the Spaniards didn't started with the usual fanfare like any other commemorative event with the church, but instead expressing of a pressing need for help- especially to the downtrodden affected by the COVID19 pandemic. 

Started a year ago, this Pandemic has stuck the nation so badly that one would describe as the worst of times. True enough, especially that 2020 in the Philippines started with the eruption of Taal Volcano in Batangas, followed by closing of the biggest media network in the country, and aggravated by this still ongoing pandemic caused by COVID19 virus. This, along with the usual antics of the present Duterte administration has becoming a test of faith and courage both as Filipinos and as religious, be it Christian or as any other faith. 

But despite the pressure brought by these past days and nights of disquiet and rage, faith continues to blossom. It is not surprising that there are those amongst faithful that they're trying to "keep the faith" against all odds be it this pandemic to those of pitting one faith against the other, oftentimes laced with exaggerated 'nationalism' that this Christian faith as imposed by the Spaniards. Yes it is, but to look back at history, how come Filipinos did accepted it the way Hara Humamay accepted the Santo Nino? Or the folks of old Namayan worshipped the pandan-covered Virgin that made Spaniards acknowledge as the Nuestra Senora de Guia? Why did Apo Apang of the Aetas is the Ina Poong Bato? Or why Andres Bonifacio in his dream saw the Virgen de Balintawak prior to his action in the Deposito? There are more attributes to mention that makes Christianity as Filipino as other faiths in the country. May as also recall the 149th anniversary of the execution of Fathers Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, whose struggle for the secularisation of the Church became a factor in the struggle for freedom from Spanish colonialism.

Need not to explain further this looking back, perhaps because this writer had read comments in social media in relation to this commemoration. Of course, expect those who detest this Christian faith out of being a tool of the Spanish occupier. But not surprising that some of those who detest did want a Christian wedding, a Christian Baptism, or even carry Christian names. Sorry for the thought but again they forgot that this Christian faith has been as Filipino for centuries past. Sown by the occupier-oppressor yes, driven by their religious zeal and imperial glory- but even nurtured by the oppressed-liberator who carried the cross of struggle towards liberty. How accurately the Apostle Paul has expressed it in his second letter to the Corinthians, that “We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, so that it may be clear to us that its surpassing power comes from God and not from us.” (2 Cor 4:7) 

***

Again, despite commemorating if not remembering how Christian faith in the Philippines taketh its roots for 500 years, this note demands action as an expression of faith. Especially in this pandemic-driven times, faith continues to face challenges of various sorts, worse, to see an incompetent government whose promise of change and hope turns out to be a ruse. True that this government of the republic is making efforts to control the pandemic the way it tries to deal other serious matters like crime and poverty. However, the administration who supposedly leading rather chose to treat this pandemic as a means to "control", if not a necessary catharsis to scare those who oppose their agenda. As obvious, the regime interpret the pandemic in "peace and order" rather than a medical perspective: mobilising the armed forces and the police, creating checkpoints, imposed curfew, and the likes while failing to conduct contact tracing, mass testing, and the problems of procuring vaccines in pursuit of controlling the folk through fear.

But despite all these antics and negligence, the folk, driven by solidarity, took various measures to support each other, making hopes and sacrifices all the more in order to live and thrive in “a free nation, nurturing a civilization of life and love” even in this time of disquiet. But this kind of solidarity never stops in just a series of charitable acts, as oppression and exploitation are a systematic violation of human dignity- and in the case of the Philippines, this isn't happening during the pandemic but rather a decades-old matter that hinders a nation’s growth: of despotic landed gentries, controlling various aspects of Filipino life be it politics, agriculture, industry, trade, and social affairs while the folk wallows in poverty. And now in this pandemic these people have that "guts" to exploit, profit while feigning they're "concerned" about the people whom they have exploited for their selfish gains. It is not surprising that some did take time "trying to be in one with the people" especially in this tumultuous times, despite the fact that they're the same beings who oppress. One would say "let's take their actions with a grain of salt", that is, acknowledging their "alturistic" moves whilst opposing their despotic tendencies.

***

Now, this note cannot conclude by just "reclaiming the faith" alone, but to "continue the good work" so as to save both body and soul especially in this times of disquiet and range. All through solidarity that carries confidence in the indefectible assistance promised by God to His people and in the immense goodness of the Lord toward those who love Him. 

But this same solidarity doesn't stop in a form of beneficence, solidarity demands action- the will to go beyond parameters, to take the cross and push forward what is just and righteous as a nation. For sure people had enough of the corrupt and of the incompetent: who afforded to slander the faithful and fooled the patriotic, gaslighted the nation just to protect a decades-old repressive order. But steadfast in its firm resolve that the folk will go beyond parameters even at the expense of their lives. These are driven in pursuit of truth and love not just freedom and bread alone. 

Perhaps to cut this note short, that in this commemoration of the 500 years of Christianity in the country, that the concerned renew its vow to struggle with the masses of the poor and oppressed no matter how the order tries to malign, slander, or oppress. Worth noting that a number of Christian martyrs, including those whose reason to fight for freedom is their faith, lived out their belief at the expanse of their lives in defence of human dignity. This lesson somehow convinces everyone to defend human lives, and rights no matter their lives is at stake. Yes, "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church" according to early Church Father Tertullian, and in the case of this Country, the Philippines, those who lived, died, all to serve their folk is itself part of a devotion to their faith in a just god-being in one with the folk and its intensifying struggle for a country that's just and righteous. 

'Enough of Human Rights', 'Kill, Kill, Kill', and a spate of system-led terror

'Enough of Human Rights', 'Kill, Kill, Kill',
and a spate of system-led terror

The recent atrocities brought by the order against the folk has clearly showed that its representative Duterte and his camarilla as seriously having an utter disregard to human rights. 

Driven by the idea of destroying the growing armed struggle from the left, the Duterte administration has pointed its guns to the unarmed, mostly activists whose calls for land, bread, sovereignty, and justice, altogether as tantamount to "subversion" and "terrorism." Sounds familiar isn't it? For as Duterte, like his predecessors, in swearing to upheld the old rotten order are by themselves willing to drench their hands into blood- killing the urnarmed "concerned" simply because of a decades-old problem of national sovereignty and social justice. 

Worse, to hear words from the president himself: "Kill Kill Kill", of laws like the "Anti Terrorism Act", and the mobilisation of state forces in conducting "Oplan Tokhang"-like operations against activists. These actions showed serious disregard to human rights with  growing number of police and military personnel, mostly paid hacks of interest, grumbling over a brazen crimes that they are being made to commit. 

With this it is quite doubtful that the order will succeed in winning hearts and minds of the folk. The murders and mass arrests of activists and community leaders showed that the "dirty war" Duterte initiated isn't just pointing against the left or simply community leaders, it points against the growing concerned as the president employs his armed thugs to instil fear among the folk in hopes of making them bow to his will. This is no "Change" nor an act of "uphelding democracy" as what his supporters think of- it is but a continuity of once was. "Forget about human rights" as what Duterte said. If so, then yes, may as well forget that the country uphelds the right for free speech, press, expression, assembly, and the likes as his men "trying their best" to control people's movement especially in this time of pandemic. Forget about his claims that "change" has brought to the country when in fact it was all but a continuity of repression, corruption, and interest. And if he claims about "oligarchs" against him, the fact that most "oligarchs" stood beside him joining in his agenda of upholding the order against a concerned, if not an angry populace.  

Perhaps, in a time of disquiet brought by the order, expect popular resistance; and in turn, expect facing slander, threat, death, as the president himself ordered state forces to "ignore human rights" and "Kill, Kill, Kill". For the order, this doesn't matter whether that person was armed or not, but from the presidential rant itself turns out the words becoming basis for an intensified conflict- even in this pandemic period wherein people are seriously in need of solidarity in various forms. Indeed, these are difficult what more of dangerous times. It is not surprising for what Duterte did was as same as those in the past-coming from leaders whose "sworn to promote justice" turns out to be upholding order on the side of interest. Using whatever situation just to maintain the supremacy of "interests" over those of the nation. Again, as said, expect a growing concerned willing to resist even in this time of pandemic and aggravated by system-sponsored chaos. Right is Leni Robredo that "the Filipino people deserve better than this murderous regime". 

"Despite the pandemic, the Filipina will continue fighting"

"Despite the pandemic, the Filipina will continue fighting"

by Kat Ulrike

Warm, Patriotic greetings.

At first, this note commemorates today the landmark declaration of the International Working Women's Day that celebrated since it's inception in the early 20th century. In this historic day where women is being hailed as contributors to society, a force to recokoned with, and to to assert its rights and welfare, this note recognises the fierce tradition of women in resisting, fighting against the rotting order and its continuity under Duterte.

That even in this time of COVID19 pandemic, Duterte remains misogynistic in his stance towards women. Be it in his past statements like "shooting in the vagina" to those of belittling Vice President Leni Robredo, his stance shows his deeply-entrenched sexism that downplays his "recognition of women's courage and determination." It is not surprising, for like any other statements from the order, that it either failed to recognise serious matters faced by women, if not downplaying it especially if that involves disastrous policies and his persecution of women actively involved in opposition against his wishes. 

At present, the Filipina is actively involved as frontliners be as medical practitioners, factory workers, office employees, to those of academe and in various sectors of society.  The crisis brought by the COVID19 pandmic has highlighted both the centrality of their contributions and the disproportionate burdens that women carry- that like any other Filipinos affected by the pandemic-driven crisis, the Filipina in a time of COVID19 faced less government support, low wages, high costs of living, and various forms of repression and disenfranchisement, as existing and newly-passed laws and policies under the Duterte administration aggravates problems such as on agriculture after the Rice Tarrification Act and other neoliberal-oriented agricultural policies, the rising costs of commodities brought by TRAIN and other laws dealing with "economic recovery", the displacement of communities after "Build Build Build" and various "developmental projects", and last but not the least, the harassments and threats through the Anti Terrorism Act and the police/military operations targeting those strongly against the administration. 

But this doesn't stop the Filipina to fight back regardless of the moves brought by the order. Even in this commemoration whose beginnings as fundamentally radical in character, efforts of the putrid system to dilute class politics and inspiration from radically-minded feminists behind this March 8 event rather failed to "achieve" as this is more than just a celebration, but also of reaffirmation of this historical struggle that created heroes and martyrs out of women, and today, pays tribute to their lives and labours, and vows to struggle fruther with more fervour and resolve. This note also laud those who promote reforms generated by progressive legislators, especially with today's assertion of a sound alternative programs to uplift affected workers and frontliners in this time of pandemic and an active opposition against policies that favours entrenched interests (all in the name of "economic recovery"), but genuine emancipation of women can only be achieve by dismantling this rotting social order and its existing class structure that engenders the oppression not only women but of other classes and sectors, victims altogether in the semi-colonial and semi-feudal society.

To cut this note short, that despite the pandemic and the continuing disenfranchisement, the Filipina will continue fighting. Taking the lessons of history and to stand along with other oppressed folks, this isn't about equality alone, but full and effective participation in all spheres, of promoting empowerment, and ensuring welfare to each and everyone together in realising a just and lasting peace through genuine national and social change.

“AFTER SINOVAC AND ASTRAZENECA, WHAT’S NEXT?”

“AFTER SINOVAC AND ASTRAZENECA, WHAT’S NEXT?”

(Thoughts after the recent vaccines from Sinovac and AstraZeneca,
 and how the government treats vaccines as such)

From the first rollout of vaccines from China arrived in the Philippines, vaccinations have begun. From various hospitals, this China-made vaccine, no matter how controversial is is, is simply accepted by the “Task Force Against COVID19” as any other vaccine meant to immunise the folk against this kind of disease.

However, this doesn’t mean the folk simply accept it. Initially, Filipinos have that significant resistance to the Chinese-made CoronaVac. Be it outright rejection to those of skepticism, Filipinos rather "don't just want anything to do with Sinovac" either citing its low efficacy to those of outright rejection of China being a meddler in domestic affairs under the Duterte administration. Quite tragic to some especially that in this time of pandemic most Filipinos rather reject it- all with various claims like "not good enough" for frontliners to those of senior citizens, of being substandard compared to those from the west if not a product of political intrigue or even corruption. And even though it "passes the 50% efficacy threshold established by the World Health Organisation, this doesn't diminish the popular view in preferring western-made vaccines be it AstraZeneca, Moderna, or Johnson and Johnson. 

But despite this popular preference to western-made vaccines, the national government continues to encourage the folk to get confident in China-made CoronaVac. Like the earlier statements such as those from the Department of Health telling the folk "that every vaccine that is approved by the FDA is safe and effective", the government's appeal to accept CoronaVac, even to the point that some government officials and a few health workers took the challenge of taking it shows that it shrugs the risks, no matter how people bluntly speaking sees it as a PR ploy for a government that's overhurled by criticism. 

It is not surprising that even in a time vaccines from AstraZeneca arrived that the government tries to continue its confidence on the Sinovac-manufactured vaccine. Especially after the recent cases of South Africa-based variant that the China-based Sinovac having an advantage over its western-made counterpart, most Filipinos rather continue clinging on western-made AstraZeneca, Janssen, or Moderna. 

Sometimes, in reading the news related to these vaccines, this person wonder that if the government really serious in its preference, then how come initially it stated that "Sinovac is not good for healthcare workers?" This did created popular expression that CoronaVac is nothing compared to western-made AstraZeneca! And yet, with the South African variant happened to be in the country, will they accept China's own citing its advantage over those from the west? "It will protect Filipinos against the South African B1.351 variant." said one Rappler article, yet, "It may not be as efficacious as Pfizer or Moderna, but it has a broader range of protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants." even cited that "South Africa stopped its vaccination campaign earlier this year when it found that the AZ vaccine was not effective against its homegrown variant."

But for this person, would say that despite arrived "too late" and really marred by a myriad of politickings and interests, this battle of vaccines doesn't limited to either from Sinovac, Sinopharm, Cansino, versus AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson and Johnson. In fact, some would wait for India's Novavax, Russia's Gamelaya, or Cuba's Soberana, or for that goddamn sake Duterte's followers wanted, Fabunan, in the fight against COVID19.  Yet, on the long term, as said in the earlier post, that since the west and even the Philippines' own neighbouring countries also that that thought of creating its own vaccines, then how about the country itself?
That for decades after the former Biologicals Production Service shut down, the country's quest for self-reliance in the field of biologicals stopped its growth. For sure one would think that if the Philippines created its own anti-tubercolosis, anti-diptheria, or anti-rabies vaccines, then why not this? Duterte's last year's "million peso reward" for "promising vaccine makers against COVID19" is nothing but a political placebo, if not a crass joke anyway. 

The country can't just depend on the mercy of the market no matter it offers cheap vaccines enough to replace domestically-made ones. Cuba and Vietnam did it with or without outside aid! So why wait?

"After welcoming the vaccine (amidst popular skepticism)"

 "After welcoming the vaccine (amidst popular skepticism)"

It seems that after several months of promises and politickings, the Philippines under Rodrigo Duterte has got its first batch of vaccines against COVID19. 

These first batch of vaccines arrived from China a day ago, with Duterte himself personally witnessed the arrival of the initial 600,000 doses of CoronaVac donated by China and inspected its vials during its ceremonial turnover. And this followed by a kick off last Monday morning at various hospitals in an effort to boost public confidence in vaccination. Shots were being administered such as those in the Philippine General Hospital and Veterans Memorial Medical Centre to some frontline health workers, to those of police officers and higher officials, especially vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Eric Domingo, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)  Chair Benhur Abalos, and Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque. 

But prior to the arrival of the vaccines and the shots administered which includes some health workers, The Food and Drug Administration cleared CoronaVac as "for emergency use", except for frontliners, citing its efficacy rate of 50.4%.

***

Obviously, this seems to be a PR ploy for the order especially amidst popular skepticism over Sinovac's CoronaVac. For as most Filipinos prefer western-made Pfizer and AstraZeneca and at the same time dismissing the low efficacy of China-based Sinovac, if not the obvious politickings and the past administration's vaccination scare, this first day of the vaccination campaign remains riddled with question, if not outright criticism especially when Duterte and his ilk all "from the bottom of their hearts" bid thanks to Xi Jinping while keeping mum in the contested West Philippine Sea. 
"What a cuck move" said one commentator regarding this matter. For as Duterte required licking the shoes of the Chinese compradore all for a pittance in a form of that Sinovac-manufactured vaccine. It doesn’t matter whether the vaccine’s efficacy as lower than the others- for the important is, the Duterte administration brags to everyone that he got those all for free amidst popular skepticism, if not criticism.

Perhaps, in recognising their actions even for “the sake of having", then one would say “okay, fine” that the government got the[se vaccines from China.  However, others, especially those who remained skeptical about Sinovac's efficacy rather wait for vaccines from those from US, UK, or even Russia. It is not suprising not because of the Filipino's distrust of "red China" over the disputed territory, or Xi Jinping's support over Duterte, or the entire vaccine program in general after the Dengvaxia issue of the past administration. 

***

But for the long term, the question is: how about a nation manufacturing its own vaccines? Need not to explain further but this is more than a promotion of health, but of science. For decades after the last production of vaccines and sera in the Philippines during the mid-1990s the country seemingly at the mercy of those abroad in having vaccines meant to gain immunity amidst existing and rising biological issues be it Tuberculosis to those of COVID19.

Very few would even remember the contributions brought by the Biologicals Production Service in Alabang, or Abelardo Aguilar and his Ilosone, but as far as a concerned person, in recalling these that supposed to respond in this call of times, ask: "until when a country will just depend when in fact it can?" Wouldn't be surprised if this also dismissed citing its expensiveness as opposed to cheap imports from abroad if not donations; or the typical view that "no government should interfere in someone else's business" (i.e. manufacturing), but, in this time when most focus on its own survival (Cuba created its own, even Vietnam, or India), then why not the Philippines? Will just wait for a foreign-owned manufacturer to sell? Or create its own just like in the past?

And hopefully this is no pseudo-pharmaceutical joke like what Fabunan did, or a political placebo as Duterte expressed.