Pandemic response: Albatross on admin bets’ necks in 2022 polls

For once I agree with presidential spokesperson Harry Roque that the government’s pandemic response will be at the front and center of the 2022 elections. But instead of helping the administration candidates, I believe it will be the albatross that will sink whoever this regime will field.

With over one million COVID-19 cases and almost 20,000 deaths, we have the highest in the region. Blame this on the government’s refusal to close our border during the first months of the pandemic like what our Asian neighbors did, downplaying its threat and putting more importance on keeping our friendship with China.

And despite many petitions to appoint more medical specialists and scientists to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, President Duterte favored military generals, who of course resorted to draconian measures like community lockdowns without considering their long-term effects on the economy and the mental health of the population.

The government incurred the highest foreign loans ever ostensibly to support its pandemic response, but its vaccination rollout is the slowest in the region. And despite the bumbling leadership at the Department of Health, the President has refused to replace Secretary Francisco Duque III with a better leader, notwithstanding the clamor from many sectors especially medical frontliners.

Whoever will represent this administration will have the blood of COVID-19 victims on their hands, for enabling this government to remain oblivious to the plight of the people.

On the other side is the opposition led by Vice President Leni Robredo.

During the pandemic, VP Leni has been the only national leader going around the country to give aid and hope to our suffering people. Despite her office’s meager budget and the unrelenting persecution by the bully in Malacañang, she has persisted in doing her job. Her efforts, and their positive impact on our countrymen especially among those in the marginalized sectors, have been lauded by many institutions. Many foreign governments have directed their contributions to her office because they trust her integrity. While the administration minions were putting up “Run, Sara, Run!” posters all over and the President was blaming the people for believing his campaign promises, VP Leni was busy doing her job and caring for our people.

ED DAMES, San Lorenzo Village, Makati City, [email protected]