In the midst of a national health crisis, the Filipino people deserve assurance and transparency from their government. Instead, they were intimidated and threatened.
Last April 1, President Rodrigo Duterte addressed the nation regarding the steps being taken in handling the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. In what was supposed to be a speech guaranteeing safety and security, the public had to contend with the President’s constant threats of violence, especially towards those who voice out dissent against the government.
For yet another time, Duterte steered clear of discussing his emergency powers and the P275 billion fund allocated for the crisis. He relied on the police and military to deal with critics – and this time around, to “shoot them dead.”
In the last few weeks, many have been taking to social media to demand accountability from the government and to deplore issues that have arisen from the crisis, from loss of medical professionals, lack of personal protective equipment (PPEs), to people suffering from hunger due to uneven distribution of relief goods.
Just earlier today, the National Bureau of Investigation summoned “more than a dozen people” for expressing their sentiments on social media about the government’s response to the coronavirus. One of the cases was subpoenaed for posting about the “alleged misuse of government funds” and for allegedly violating Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code which punishes the publication of “any false news which may endanger the public order, or cause damage to the interest or credit of the State.”
In his April 1 address, Duterte also warned his critics to “not challenge the government” and he will “not hesitate to let [his] soldiers shoot [them]” and “put [them] in jail.” By saying these, the President only contradicts the purpose of democracy, which puts the power in the hands of the people.
That the administration had instead chosen to use their platform to incite fear among the public speaks volumes and is something not to be taken lightly.
Such acts are clear manifestations of the state’s skewed priorities. While cases and mortalities have been escalating, individuals who continue to point out the government’s incompetencies are the ones being targeted, when in fact, the real opponent at hand is the widespread coronavirus.
The UP Journalism Club calls on the government to be more transparent and informative in enlightening their people. In a time where most Filipinos are living in fear of what is to come, we need leaders who tell us their steps moving forward and show compassion towards the most vulnerable. We need a government that assures that our mouths are fed, not silenced.
