President Duterte still has a long way to go when it comes to the pursuit of economic reforms. Most of the reform promises are, at this point in time, still pending. With him only having three more years remaining in his six-year term.

2020 was a challenging year for most Filipinos. Despite the challenges posed and are still posed by the past year, most Filipinos are welcoming 2021 with cautious positivity.

COVID-19 is a major unifier and divider of people, countries and societies not only for 2020 but for the 21st century. 

The best Christmas gift that we can give to ourselves, our loved ones and our country is by keeping ourselves healthy and safe, and free from COVID-19 and other diseases.

Academic freedom has been always been invoked by teachers and students who believe in the Marxist-Leninist-Maoist and liberal political ideologies in some schools, colleges and universities in the Philippines to protect themselves from scrutiny not only by the authorities but also by the majority of Filipinos who have been suspicious of their true intentions.

A calamity is the worst time for people to engage in partisan activity. Politicking should be done only during the elections campaign, not during a time when there is a typhoon, earthquake or volcanic eruption.

The Rice Tariffication Law initially worked as planned. From a high of five percent or more, the inflation rate now averages to between to two to three percent, primarily due to the prices and supply of food, especially rice, being stabilized. The new law also gave consumers enhanced access to relatively affordable retail prices of rice.

The Cayetano-Velasco feud clearly shows a house divided, a fragile super majority that President Duterte's political party and coalition at the House of Representatives.

"Christmas in Our Hearts," like most Christmas carols, does not convey any political meaning. It is a feel-good song that embodies the spirit of Christmas, a reason for people to celebrate and enjoy the holidays. 

In our own little ways, we can make this coming December much better for ourselves, our loved ones and our communities.

COVID-19 is a preventable disease that can be defeated by us being responsible for ourselves, our loved ones and other people, and having a sense of regard for the well-being of the community and our country.

To put it bluntly, democracy and freedom are helping the Philippines fail in its fight against COVID-19. Like the Americans, most Filipinos are not willing to give up their individual rights and privileges for the common good.