Randy David | PUBLIC LIVES Although there was already much talk during the day that the lockdown over Luzon to stop the spread of the coronavirus might be extended till the end of April, President Duterte’s late-night speech last Monday failed to confirm it. He was “inclined,” he said, but he could not say it categorically. The following morning, Secretary … Read more
The prescribed response to every scientific report has always been to ask for the proof, doubt every finding, and question every conclusion. Science would not advance if agreement were won by force or reputation, rather than by evidence. We expect nothing less from the scientific community regarding this new virus that has led governments to … Read more
One man’s risk could be another person’s danger. At no other time is this truism clearer than today, as we respond to the complexities of the coronavirus pandemic. Responsibility demands that all of us consciously weigh the effects of our actions not only upon ourselves or our immediate families, but on the countless anonymous others … Read more
If what is meant to be communicated is the need to observe a certain amount of physical distance (e.g., 1 meter) from other individuals in order to lessen the likelihood of transmitting an infectious disease, a less confusing term might have been more appropriate. For example: “safe distancing” or “hygienic distancing” or “protective distancing.” Long … Read more
What were the people in charge of Malacañang’s communications office thinking last Thursday evening when they made President Duterte announce the lockdown of Metro Manila — with uniformed police generals seated behind him? Clearly, it was their way of saying this is henceforth a peace and order issue. Indeed, Mr. Duterte said so himself at … Read more
Less than two months after Chinese authorities acknowledged the emergence of an infectious outbreak from an unknown coronavirus in the city of Wuhan in central China, the world is witnessing an explosion of effects never before seen in this century. The disturbance produced by this phenomenon is complex and difficult to predict. Society is reacting … Read more
People like listening to President Duterte because, unlike other politicians, he is easy to understand. They rarely need to guess what he’s saying. He speaks his mind out, and offers no excuses for doing so. He doesn’t appear to care if what he says is morally offensive or contrary to law. People may disagree with … Read more
This week marks the 34th year of the historic 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution. It is also the fourth time President Duterte is, according to his spokesperson, staying home — consciously ignoring whatever significance the event may still hold for some Filipinos. Still, Edsa, by law, is a public holiday. Regardless of what the current … Read more
Over the last three decades, many of us took comfort in the belief that the Constitution that was crafted and ratified in the aftermath of the 1986 People Power Revolution will never again permit any would-be autocrat to use any of its provisions to override the rule of law. How illusory that belief has proven … Read more
The other side of panic is indifference or naive reassurance in the face of what appears to be a serious threat or grave danger. This may often be the result of a lack of appreciation of the risk involved, or of a wish not to cause public alarm, or of something more selfish — like … Read more