"The lockdown is a necessary draconian measure, but we can do away with the confusion."
When President Duterte went on national television to announce a one-month lockdown, euphemistically called community quarantine, I had the uncanny feeling that he was declaring martial law since there were military generals behind him.
There are, however, many things that must be clarified with regard to the lockdown. It is for this reason that I insist on a massive education and information campaign for the benefit of people who do not read newspapers, much less listen to the daily briefings of the Department of Health.
This campaign becomes critical considering the fact that informal settlers have no idea about basic hygiene. They do not have running water. Those who live near Pasig River defecate into the body of water. They live in cramped quarters. How, then, is social distancing possible?
Social distancing is being one meter away from the next individual. But how can that be enforced when people have to go to work daily, riding in packed jeepneys, buses and trains?
I lament the situation of daily wage earners, especially if their employers adopt the no work, no pay policy.
There is also this requirement that workers—and this includes household helpers—to show IDs and proofs of employment when entering and exiting Metro Manila. Not all of them have IDs.
Will they be arrested when they insist that they are indeed workers? The Justice Department says no, because that would be illegal. I think this is a lie. I know for a fact that the police and military manning checkpoints could be abusive.
Despite all these, I believe that President Duterte did the right thing in imposing a lockdown on Metro Manila. It's a draconian measure, but a necessary one.
We have seen how President Duterte could be decisive and bold. I wonder, however—why doesn't he do it against the POGOs whose presence has created many problems for us? Is the President so in love with China that he can't act decisively when dealing with the Chinese?
Please, Mr. President. Tell us this is not so.
My wife and I have gone on self-quarantine. But since we still need assistance from our household help, we require them to wear masks and wash their hands frequently.
It's uncanny. I get the same feeling that I did when the Japanese entered Manila and declared it an open city. At least then, it was clear who the enemy was. Now we can't see where the virus is.
In this connection, since we are living in dangerous times, newspapers should stop the society pages to be more sensitive to those who do not know where their next meal would come from. President Marcos did this when he declared martial law. The lockdown may not be martial law, but there's need to give comfort and solace to all.
A lockdown means people can no longer dine in their favorite restaurants because the workers will be sent home. This means the virtual death of the restaurant business. Establishments will also cut down on casual workers—you know what that entails.
Will it really only last for 30 days?
I consider myself lucky because I can work from home and send my column via email. Other workers who rely on technology are also lucky. But how about the masa? I sympathize with them.
Also, how would the masses know whether the jeep and bus they are taking have been disinfected?
My advice to everybody—stay home.
