Amidst pandemic and The working folk cannot stop from fighting

 Amidst pandemic and The working folk cannot stop from fighting

by Kat Ulrike

At first, this note firmly salutes the working class in celebration of the International Workers Day. This occassion marks the labouring folk's continuous struggle for a just society amidst intesnse crisis around the world and intensified oppression, exploitation of workers and of the toiling masses. Through this commemoration let the folk strengthen its determination not just to assert its just calls for decent wage and better living conditions, but to advance the struggle to put forward a just new society. 

Like the struggles of the labouring folk in the past, its lessons has served as beacon, an inspiration for the Filipino working class. The Paris Commune, the Russian Revolution, even the first Labour Day protest in the Philippines has brought lessons that for the Filipino working class continue to carry up to present. 

For sure the order and its apologists would try to downplay the patriotic and proletarian fervour of the Filipino labouring folk. The fact that in this current situation wherein age old problems (low wages, contractualisation, unjust working conditions, repression of unions and concerned laborers alike) has intensify struggles for nationalism, democracy, and freedom for the folk. 

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This problem also aggravates with the COVID19 pandemic that continues to rage as more and more Filipinos becoming infected, and still downplayed by the government alongside its failed response and denial of appropriate medical attention. The order's treatment of the pandemic as "peace and order" rather than "medical" matter has shown through massive checkpoints and militarisation rather than ensuring the people's welfare; of scrimped funds for mass testing, treatment, effective contact tracing, and support for medical frontliners while bigger funds for his agendas that benefited those of his camarilla especially those from the police and the armed forces. Worse, during the pandemic, instead of focusing on disentangling the Filipino people, it used the ensuing social turmoil as a leverage to hasten the enactment of anti-people laws in the congress and senate.

Again, the order and its apologists would downplay this matter as it insists that their idol Duterte "tries its best" to control the problem. While favouring those of interest seekers, the economic crisis brought by COVID19 continues to aggravate. Almost 11 million remained unemployed, that worker's wages remain extremely low. Distribution of subsidies for the folk as slow and insufficient amidst rising prices of commodities and services. But again, the order's treatment of this pandemic is way far from its neighbours- that as Indonesia, Vietnam approached it with both medical and scientific means, Duterte's way of treating the pandemic remains militarised in a form of checkpoints, prolonged curfew, if not harassments against concerned groups and persons whose calls include just wages, subsidies, an end to contractualisation, and others. The regime, by having half-hearted approaches to the demands of the needy has causing people to starve, beg, and line up in long queues for food aid- way far from his passage of the Rice Tarrification Law (RTL), the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act, the Philippine Program for Recovery with Equity and Solidarity (PH-PROGRESO), the Tax Reform for Attracting Better and Higher Quality Opportunities (TRABAHO) Bill which became the Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Rationalization Act (CITIRA), and the new Corporate Recovery, and the Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Bill. All these are but neoliberal reforms and policies that favor foreign capitalists and the big landlord-comprador oligarchs with tax cuts and various concessions, all for the preservation of the semicolonial and semifeudal features of the country.

The crisis also created heavier blows against workers. Under a regime that's pursuing continuity contrary to its earlier message of "change" and "inclusive development", state-sponsored oppression and exploitation continues to intensify in the form of lower wages, contractualisation, lack of protection in workplaces, and unjust working conditions amid the pandemic. In an attempt to silence opposition (including those who expressed concern), attacks against organized labor are also worsening such as attempts to disunite workers, surveillance on union organizing in enclaves, killing union leaders, and threats against their members and supporters. Even in the countryside, where militarisation is at worst, disrupts socio-economic life as it consolidates interests of the few who supports the "efforts" of the Duterte regime- that those who call for genuine agrarian reform and rural empowerment as tantamount to terrorism and hence . These measures, coupled with the lack of adequate health services and relief, further serve to exacerbate the growing fear and panic among the people. And along with red-tagging, the suppression of the Filipino people’s basic freedoms and democratic rights, and other countless human rights violations (HRVs), these relentless attacks against the Filipino folk, as justified with the implementation of the Anti-Terrorism Law (ATL) and the creation of the National Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

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Other than the affected workers in the cities and in the countryside, concerned individuals, including those who organised the community pantries been faced condemnation, and surveillance by the order. The community pantries served as a temporary measure by means of mutual aid towards the needy workers and other affected sectors, but the order detested it as a "superspreader" of virus if not an act of rebellion against the regime. Again, the order's perception towards this mutual aid is way contrary to the actions the order appears willing to accommodate such as those offered by the United States and China in a form of military and economic aid that benefited those of the military establishment and of the bureaucrats. 
And while following the dictates of both United States and China for a pittance of economic and military packages, the Duterte regime continues to justify kowtowing be it the United States for Military aid, and China for huge loans with high interests for their "Build, Build, Build" projects. Moreover, due to the fact that they have amassed and continue to accumulate enormous corruptions from Chinese investment contracts, loans and vaccines, Duterte and his camarilla, contrary to their "defence of sovereignty", has let imperialist China freely continue its economic and military interventionism in the rich West Philippine Sea (WPS) with its manmade islands, military installations, even refraining Filipino fishermen from entering the contested waters; while trying to curry favour with the United States for military aid contrary to Duterte's feigning "anti-Americanism" and promises of scrapping the Visiting Forces Agreement. 

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Such fears brought by the order as well as this COVID19 pandemic doesn't stop the labouring folk from fighting. No matter how the order passed its antipeople laws, intensify repression, or silence those who expressed dissent and calling for radical alternatives, That the folk, having seeking truth from facts, exposed and criticised the regime’s incompetence in giving assistance to millions who are forcibly unemployed because of its militaristic treatment in facing the pandemic. Within and outside the country, workers are becoming more condemnatory and active in rising up against the anti-people policies of the regime. 
And because of this growing awareness, the working folk must rise, stand at the forefront of struggle for nationalism and democracy. It must continue to advance worker's rights and welfare as unions be created, expand, and strengthen amidst repression brought by the order. The need for emergency wage increase, subsidies for the unemployed, as well as an end to contractualisation and repression in the workplace. Furthermore, the workers should firmly link to the  democratic demands and struggles of the Filipino masses, and its calls be asserted further such as support the clamor of health workers for salary increases, hazard pay and greater subsidy for health services. They must also strengthen their support for peasants’ demand for genuine land reform, lowering rent, an end for exploitation, and for rural empowerment. At the same time, the calls from children, youth, and students for the safe reopening of schools, increased budget in education, and for increased support for teachers. The workers’ movement must also strongly oppose the government’s unending foreign-borrowing, and oppose the huge budget allocation for satiating the attack dogs of the order.

The order may continue to remain stubborn in its interest-centric venture, but as Filipinos, this commemoration of International Workers Day is more than just celebrating the labors and commemorating hardships, but rather, to push forward the national and democratic aspirations of the Filipino working folk, hand in hand with the other oppressed labourers and masses of the world, altogether fighting against the prevailing socioeconomic order and to forge a new society that's just and prosperous. 

On Duterte's reaction over the growing Community Pantry

On Duterte's reaction over the growing Community Pantry

by Kat Ulrike

As expected, the president’s statement on the growing Community Pantry movement reflects those of his followers and of the initial actions brought by the administration.

For in his recent fireside chat, president Duterte expressed his bullshitry towards the organisers of the pantry, describing them as “sonofabitches” that “they just want to show to the people that they really care, but they do not really care because of their ignorance.”

With his statement no wonder this reflects those of his followers who did judged the actions of the growing community pantry movement as a “protest against the government” if not a “superspreader” given the pandemic-driven situation. True that there may be lapses, and that health protocols should be observed; but on the other side would say that the statements shows how the order as eager to control movement and that includes surveil, if not harass the organisers.

But despite various attempts, community pantries continue serving the needy folk, upholding the need for solidarity no matter how the order and its apologists trying to create stumbling blocks to its success.

Ironically, Malacañang earlier described community pantries as a representation of “the best in the Filipino character.” 

Perhaps, as an observer, this movement has showed how the community, in being aware of its surroundings and the problems brought by the COVID19 pandemic, has no choice but to step up and do something even it requires going beyond the parameters the order enforced against them. It is not surprising tho that the president spoke that way as his supporters do, what more that this reflects how the order has treated that way against those whose concern can be a form of rebellion. 

And if being concerned to the folk, such as by providing need, is a form of rebellion, or even subversion against the order, then so be it. But still, the solidarity of the folk prevails over the wickedness, the self-centredness of the few whose egotism, envy, created such bullshitry such as this recent statement. 

They know what they're doing, and it is an act that's worth justifying than the order's bloodied exploits.

"Lapulapu's Victory: an inspiration for defending a nation's sovereignty"

"Lapulapu's Victory:
an inspiration for defending a nation's sovereignty"

At first, this note is in one with the Filipino folk in its militant remembrance of the battle of Mactan in its 500th year. 

Known for the death of Magellan by the hands of the chief Lapulapu and his valiant men. The triumph in the battle of Mactan is a testimony to the Filipino people's defence of sovereignty. With this example shows the spirit of national determination and resolve to protect both land and people, an inspiration even for those who fought for independence against the foreign coloniser. 

Five centuries after, the Filipino folk continues in its struggle to reclaim the freedom and determination that Lapulapu fought. It is not surprising especially that with the upsurge of patriotism, the folk has becoming assertive in defending national sovereignty and people's rights, welfare. Like Lapulapu, heroes like Jose Rizal, Mariano Ponce, Marcelo Del Pilar, Andres Bonifacio, and others looked back at the greatness of the past in pursuit of creating a future where the Filipino stands up for themselves as a nation.

The Battle of Mactan showeth a triumph of the folk against the invader. The enemy may had clad in steel but it failed to stop the valor of the folk whose hardened spears and kampilans that killed Magellan and his men. This enduring validation of this historic fact shows how the folk as willing to fight and die for their home and their family- that continues to resonate in every Filipino especially amidst the order's vassalage to both American and Chinese imperialism. For sure the order claims that Duterte inherited the legacy of Lapulapu as if he defends his country's independence. But the fact that Duterte first and foremost sworn to upheld the order that's inherited from Spaniard and American occupiers, it is way far from Lapulapu's firm disagreement to be vassal of Rajah Humabon, what more of the Spaniards who consider Rajah Humabon as their loyal ally. 

Thus, far from the statements the order would say about, that every Filipino should likewise find inspiration in Lapulapu, as any other hero, and his resistance to strengthen genuine national unity by denouncing the order's outright treachery, of its vassalage to American and Chinese interests, be it the unequal agreements to those of the dispute in the West Philippine Sea. The Filipino folk should realise that the order who afforded to claim Duterte as the "modern day Lapulapu" can't even stand up to, nor denounce China's military intrusion over the disputed sea, and the pillage of the country's economic resources.

As this note honors the valour brought by Lapulapu in the battle of Mactan, it is the duty of the Filipino folk to carry the aspirations of the nation and to push forward its goals of national independence and social justice. That neither from the west nor east, and its vassals, dictate the folk as in the past. 

Of Mutual Aid, Solidarity, fostering hope in a struggling community

Of Mutual Aid, Solidarity,

fostering hope in a struggling community

Over recent days, community pantries have appear all in response to the crisis caused by the pandemic and the inactions under the Duterte administration. 

Started in Maginhawa in Quezon City and now in various places in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, these pantries, as any mutual help initiatives, foster a sense of social solidarity along with a strong rebuke, indictment on the gross failures brought by the order in providing the needs of the folk especially amidst COVID19 pandemic and the ever-worsening economic conditions. It is also a welcoming relief, as true to the dictum "give while you can, take what you need", that folks able to donate stuff so others able to get their basic needs of their families amidst rising prices, and failure to provide support especially to those undemployed due to the pandemic. 

However, according to the initiator of the community pantry, said that these are only a "temporary solution" and at the same time expressed concern over the order's inaction in ensuring the welfare of the folk, if not the militarist response to the pandemic that caused surveillance, if not harassment over the pantries. A year ago, demands for support been raised by concerned individuals and groups as the government's half-hearted response to the pandemic has raised anxiety. The "community quarantine" for instance has resulted to retrenchment of workers if not unemployment, of failure to procure vaccines despite "promises to return to normal in December" by Duterte last 2020. And now as these concerned folks rather take the solution in their hands such as these community pantries and various forms of mutual aid, this move isn't simply an act of kindness but an immediate popular solution to a half-hearted government action.

And because of these factors, it is not surprising that kind of concern, for despite popular appraisal, harassments occur especially to those "critics" who downplayed efforts as a "propaganda", of red-tagging organisers, even urging authorities to "regulate" these pantries in pursuit of "keeping it apolitical" if not monitoring against potential political dissent from the organisers. However, for the fact that being concerned over the present situations and making actions is political in itself, then expect mutual aid, like these pantries, soup kitchens, and the likes rather a novel form of people power the order feared about. From this no wonder The military and the police saw this and their knee-jerk reaction was to intimidate and red-tag the organizers of the community pantries. That the innocent guideline of “Give what you can, take what you need” alarms them as an echo of the Karl Marx dictum “From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.” If not mistaken, even the Bible, through the "Acts of the Apostles", that the lifestyle of the community of believers in Jerusalem is described as communal (without individual possession), and uses the phrase "distribution was made unto every man according as he had need" (διεδίδετο δὲ ἑκάστῳ καθότι ἄν τις χρείαν εἶχεν). For sure the authorities have forgotten that "the welfare of the people is the highest form of the law", have they really forgot it in favour of self interest?

No matter the order and its apologists trying to downplay the efforts of those taking part in setting-up community pantries in every street or village, the fact that these folks are serious in its concern, that they have enough of the regime's rosy statements and mediocre performance. In fact, the wildfire continues to spread that even those from the government, including the police, trying to set-up their own "pantries" in an attempt to counter popular criticism over the half-hearted actions laid by the administration.
Sadly, the latter's actions are marred by politicians and bureaucrats who treated such altruistic actions for obvious political patronage- that is not surprising given the state of Philippine politics in its naked form: feudal, if not despotic that's trying to be benevolent paternalist. 

But regardless of those moves, the community pantry movement, true to its sense of solidarity, has brought hope as its organisers, with their initiatives, provide immediate assistance amidst the crisis that affects not just lives but also their sustenance. This sense of unity would say overshadows the issues that served as stumbling blocks to the success of the movement. For sure people will still downplay the politically driven facts behind the movement in favour of just "feel good" kindness, that this "bayanihan", "ujamaa", or "communityhood" shows everyone helping each other out, but, the fact that there are no other options aside from the half-hearted initiatives from the government, it is not surprising that the folk chose to stand up for themselves, having enough of the pandemic-driven hunger that has pushed themselves against the wall and disregard the threats that surroundeth them.

 

When kindness, helping those in need, solidarity, can also be an act of subversion against the order

When kindness, helping those in need, solidarity,
can also be an act of subversion against the order

by Kat Ulrike

Amidst heckles and skepticism, that the recent initiatives from a concerned few has brought hope for many such as a food pantry.

Started in Maginhawa St. in Teacher's Village, Quezon City, the Maginhawa Community Food Pantry is more than just a bamboo cart containing a variety of food choices, but a form of solidarity coming from a concerned few in a time of sweeping pandemic when many Filipinos have less or no means to feed themselves and their families. 

To some would say quite new, especially that few days after its start in Teachers Village, the community food pantry has been replicated in various villages, barangays, all as far from Cavite to Nueva Viscaya. And concerned folks such as farmers, fishermen, are willing to give a share of their crop be it sweet potato, vegetables, fish, all for the needy Metro Manilenos and others affected by the COVID19 pandemic. "Give whatever you can, take only what you need" is it's tenet, or to use Marx's: "From each according to contribution, to each according to need."
Quite interesting tho at first, especially that when folks from various walks of life has afforded to take time in donating food and taking other for free all in the spirit of communitarianism. It is a novel form of "people power" that everyone gave time, effort, and at the same time obtain their much needed good such as food and other necessities enough to satisfy their hunger "even for a day." 

However, despite popular appraisal and support for the said initiative, attempts to "put out this fire of solidarity" are being raised by its critics. Mostly supporters of the Duterte administration, they find the community pantries as an attempt to "undermine government's efforts" in mitigating the pandemic-caused crisis. Comments like "the community pantry is a superspreader", of "failure to ask permission from the authorities" (even it doesn't need to), to those of outright red tagging organisers simply because of using Marx's quote (when in fact also comes from the bible) are shown in social media sites; if not calling the attention of authorities to outright regulate these pantries "in order to remain nonpartisan/apolitical" if not closing it "as a matter of peace and order." The police and the military even saw this and their knee-jerk reaction was to intimidate and red-tag the organizers of the community pantries. Ironically, from these critics are also once-supporters "at first impression" yet failed to see these pantries as an act of solidarity to the affected mass, preferring to be seen as an appeal to pity kind of charity. 
On the other hand, that those who called for mass testing, subsidies for the unemployed and the needy, and adequate support for the frontliners in the medical field are the same calls of those who initiate the community pantry, hence, not surprising to see that act as "political" and not some sentiment, for the organisers themselves saw the inept, malicious, and outright deplorable governance under the Duterte administration, no matter how his supporters trying to defend and insist how their idol president as "trying to do his best" despite the fact that most of his statements are in fact, ruses. 

At present, community food pantries inspired by the Maginhawa experience continues to proliferate as various individuals, groups, as expressing concern to mitigate the crisis. And to think that "they're all in this together" in making such initiatives, this communitarian effort shouldn't be treated as "out of pity", or dismissed as "charity". The pantries is a result of popular concern, a need for action in response to the inconveniences brought by the order. For the fact that the people had enough of waiting for the subsidies, those who are truly concerned are the ones who rather took the initiative to help those who are in need. Furthermore, it is not surprising that there are those who able to harass them all in the name of defending the status quo. That other than dismissing their politics, of trying to depoliticise an obvious political act, there are those who rather outright making hell against those who organise these acts of solidarity. Why? Is making solidarity, mutual assistance, communitarian effort an act of sedition simply because of voicing out a really serious concern? Of what is democracy that the order being bragged upon? 

Perhaps, if being one with the people especially in this time of pandemic is itself an act of sedition, then everyone is guilty as charged. To call it political may be ridiculous as most think of, but trying to depoliticise it didn't realise that life itself is political, that being part of society is itself political. To help is not about in search of a good vibe, to help, to solidarise, to struggle is to be human.

"When someone who braves the waves is more valorous than the one who's absent"

"When someone who braves the waves

 is more valorous than the one who's absent"

(A note for "Bataan Day" and the recent events in the West Philippine Sea)

At first, this note pays tribute to the courageous veterans of the Second World War. Be it Filipino or American, they fought shoulder to shoulder amidst the growing Imperial Japanese onslaught. And despite numerous deaths in Bataan, Corregidor, to those of the death marches from Mariveles to Capas, they showed what the importance of upholding freedom as all about. 

However, in this present situation, this is way too far as despite commemorating, this note is afraid that the virtues of courage, valour, and other traits are lost. That like the heroes people looked upon, they are being venerated, yet without understanding; that the yearning for a country filled with courage as reduced to some bravado showcase. And it is not surprising that under the present administration all as but lost if not watered down by some shallow thought disguised as "pragmatism."

For sure even some amongst supporting Duterte never wanted to fail the country, even prayed that his ways be mended and guided by some conscience; but the fact that he acted meek and vassal-like towards Beijing and at the same time stupidly despotic to his countrymen shows that his statements commemorating the courage of Filipino veterans in Bataan as all but nothing except a press release ment to “appease”. That he, and his camarilla as a very opposite of those from 1942 to 1945 bravely fought and died for the flag and for the people. These folks took arms, joined the ranks, some even escaped the death marches and battling off both the Japanese and Malaria just to earn their badge of heroism. But how about Duterte and his apologists? They are courageous only in their keyboards, at times trying to distort truths just to claim theirs as right. Not surprising that they would really resort to false reports just to defend their idol amidst popular criticism. 

Yet, the fact that they refused to comment on the current worsening situation shows that the regime as not serious in upholding sovereignty, and at worst, willing to give up sovereignty for a pittance. 

In fact, this note expressed praise to Filipinos who braved the waves just to expose the status of Julian Felipe Reef in the West Philippine Sea. That amidst the waters and of the Chinese Militia chasing small civilian boats with their guided missile vessels, these Filipinos, reminiscent of the veterans of Bataan and Corregidor showed their will to fight- that the reefs and shoals occupied by China are part of a nation's sovereign right, all despite silence from Malacañang. On the contrary to those from the palace, thanks to the Foreign Affairs Department and the Department of National Defence for sending their statements condemning the Chinese deployment of 220 armed vessels in the contested sea and its recent actions, this shows how some concerned officials willing to take the risk of being chided just to assert the country's sovereign rights.

No matter the order tries to appease the folk with China's numerous contributions, that this reckless appeasement with its big power master has destabilised not just the Philippines but the entire Southeast Asia. For the apologist it doesn't matter about that cost of environmental damage brought by the Chinese nor the decision of UNCLOS favouring the Philippines by telling various justifications ranging from "weak armed forces" to those of "pragmatism" with words like "winning friendships". 

But the fact that the Chinese intrusion has cost the national marine ecosystem billions of pesos of irreparable environmental damage, the administration's "appeasement" moves is itself foolish and driven by delusions given by the Chinese as Duterte himself is clearly persuaded by China’s “vaccine diplomacy,” false promises of “economic investments”, and others that is, all at the expense of national sovereignty. 

Again these self-proclaimed 'pragmatists' would claim about patriotism by favouring China over those of the United States. What a crappy humor then for not all patriots would simply thought about favouring Uncle Sam over Fu Manchu in regards to this serious issue. Of course, there are those who cry for Uncle Sam's assistance, but, God willing, that most would chose to stand up for themselves in condemning the Chinese intrusion over the contested territory what more of its militarisation, that neither from Uncle Sam or Fu Manchu, Wall Street or from Shanghai Bund should dictate Juan de la Cruz- knowing that the country isn't helpless, it only needs a serious attention, a principle, and a sound flex of a muscle enough to back an international arbitral ruling if not a will to go beyond the dictates of east and west. 

For now, the absent-minded tyrant rather chose to be mum if not prefers the comforts of his space. Thinking about his pet agendas than those of the folk, be it this COVID19 pandemic problem to those of this sovereignty issue with China, for the tyrant himself it is less of a matter compared to his favourite drug war and of silencing the opposition. 

Another Lockdown, Another Problem. Agony? Until when?

 Another Lockdown, Another Problem.

Agony? Until when?

Warm, patriotic greetings.

Despite popular criticism, and unjust economic measures, the order has resorted to another draconian lockdown inside Greater Manila since four years ago. 

Meant to stop the rapid increase in the number of COVID19 cases, this measure is more than just controlling the tide, but controlling the movement even further by militarised checkpoints to those of prolonged curfew hours- and this will only lead to another grand problem. 

For the fact that Duterte prefers the pandemic being treated as an issue of "order" first and "health" as second, remains deaf to the demands of the folk a year ago such as mass testing, systemic contact tracing, and adequate support for those affected by the lockdowns and of frontliners. The procurement of vaccines being marred by politickings and interest-driven manouvers the way the regime insists in pursuing anomalous deals with China. 

Of course, the regime will claim that the militarist response and not of mobilizing the whole medical and health experts, responders, and civil society keeps everything under control amidst popular criticism. And to think true that it has allowed increased social interaction and enterprise activities enough to "stimulate" the economy, it failed to allocate funds for matters of immediate importance such as said earlier- as the state of health infrastructure continues to deteriorate over past few months according to some concerned government officials. Hospitals in "NCR Plus" are now running beyond capacity forcing them to move Covid-19 patients to facilities elsewhere. Worse, with today's COVID19 virus mutated and with new variants emerged, the spread of the virus will hit even worse not just in "NCR Plus" but in neigbouring regions.

And in speaking of stimulating the economy, that while work in industrial enclaves and establishments not suspended, the government imposed restrictions on transportation if not taking advantage of controversial plans such as jeepney phaseouts, bus reroutings, even limiting other mass transport such as UV Express. Ill concieved work measures resulted to retrenchments if not mass layoffs, aggravating joblessness, loss of income, and poverty.

But regardless of this inadequacy and late response, popular solidarity continues. Driven by a burning concern, that concerned individuals and civil society groups are trying their bests to support those really affected by the pandemic-driven crisis. Yet, this solidarity doesn't limit to just acts of beneficence, but a call to expose the negligence brought by the order. True that the regime has deployed police and the military to implement lockdown measures, even promising subsidies  yet the fact that there were no additional health workers to provid relief to the increasingly stressed-out nurses and doctors in overcrowded hospitals, low wages, non-payment of hazard pay, and the likes, the overall negligence keeps the folk even worry as it asserts calls for subsidies, support for frontliners, and immediate response to control the pandemic. 

And to think that Duterte himself continues to gaslight people, blaming one and feigning concern at the other, this incompetent tyrant, other than interested in "maintaining his peace" is pocketing billions of pesos whether to support his camarilla to those of the upcoming elections with his proteges, his claims of sympathies are all but crocodile tears while he ignored appeals to support the increasingly-problematic health system to deal the pandemic if not silencing the opposition and the growing concerned in pursuit of continuing power after 2022. With the limited availability of the Testing Kits and medicines, inefficient support for the frontliners and affected sectors, and ill-concieved/half-hearted medical action plans brought by the order, this lockdown or “community quarantine” as what the order claiming to have put the folk at the mercy of their employers, politicians, and the military/police officers Duterte himself has given license to oppress. This will only worsen the already intolerable conditions. This will only aggravate their hunger pangs if not agonies of pain. They will not forever be suppressed nor remain silent.

"Keep firm in Faith to Never lose Hope"

"Keep firm in Faith to Never lose Hope"

Despite tumultuous times, the folk have never lost hope in its desire for eventual salvation from this precarious situation as they've always had full faith both in God and in the wonders of science. At this time people will hear news of various sacrifices, all driven by their faith, "Ora et Labora"-Pray and Work as one may say in hopes of ending this pandemic and to return to their normal lives. In this, faith is not possible until mankind has remedied its problem. But faith in the almighty is real, whatever people do is witnessed by him and thus rewarded through the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon many. 

How come this note expressed this thought of never lose hope? In listening to news reports such as today's COVID19 Pandemic, people start to lose hope especially when their loved ones died of that illness, worse, to hear words like "Double Pandemic", of "Hospitals exceeding their limited capacity", of Quarantines of various levels, to those of government mismanagement and scrupulous people taking advantage of this catastrophe. Yes, people lose hope in hearing those reports. But "Why never lose hope?" In this times of disquiet and rage, expect risks in various forms, storms that keeps people think to survive even it requires falling into the abyss. To lose hope means to lose everything, and to lose everything is detrimental to a person's what more of a family's, or a community's survival. 

Worse, to hear false hopes from those who failed to meet the demands of the people. These false hopes failed to carry weight no matter how people may "gladly" to hear their promises yet failing to realise it. True that the government got the vaccines from China and other countries in hopes of controlling the pandemic, yet, fails to treat the pandemic as a situation that requires medical personnel than ex-generals and corrupt bureaucrats wishing to retain their prominence under the current administration. It is not surprising that isolated cases of repression occur "all in the name of controlling movement" while at the same time failing to provide support especially to those who are badly needed. As usual, those from the order claiming to be "efficient", "honest", and having a "high degree of civic-mindedness" just to gaslight the folk with their obvious nonsense and bullshit. Will their words bear hopes on the folk? Not even. Not even surprising that their actions are driven by political placebo than those of real service to the folk. 

This is not some "think positive/happy thoughts" kind of piece, but instead an urge to think, accept, reflect, and remold especially in this tumultuous times. Today is the season of Lent, and as the folk having hopes in a vaccine to control this COVID19 pandemic, is also a time to pray and work harder, to be in one with the community in solidarity, and to fight back in pursuit of righteousness amidst this systemic bullshit that has hampered a nation's desire for healing, recovery, and development. The faith of the folk is something one would say that "money can never buy." Keep firm in faith to never lose hope.