The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the government to constantly change and revise its response strategy based on trends in the number of infections, absorptive capacity of our healthcare system, and special variants of interest, among others. A critical component of the response strategy involves the periodic bi-weekly decision-making on the quarantine status of the country based on scientific and economic considerations.

The world has turned upside down with the COVID-19 pandemic. It has significantly disrupted global economic activities, forced societies to change its methods of interaction, and prompted a reconfiguration of our everyday living as individuals. Increasing global deaths have compelled people to adapt and find ways to function, thrive and live under these abnormal and difficult conditions.

With the 2022 Philippine National Elections looming, conversations are progressively heating up between the DDS, Dilawans and in-betweens. Presidential daughter Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio leads current polls of Presidentiables against close competition identified either as generally supportive of the administration and the opposition. Several groups have warmed up to the idea of launching movements in support of a particular candidate or endorsing a particular candidate or tandem as a legitimate political party.

The untimely demise of former President Benigno Aquino III (“PNoy”) has prompted me to reflect on my years in politics dating back to 2009. To clarify, I never had any professional or personal relationship with the former President, but I always had an affinity for the kind of political environment there was prior to the 2010 National Elections.

It sounds so typical nowadays to hear of personalities, groups and parties positioning themselves for the upcoming 2022 National Elections. There have been several political backroom operations wherein small parties have either coalesced or entered into partnership agreements with bigger political parties or groups. Those who are leading the surveys are in better shape to negotiate to acquire more political assets, secure contributions and funding, and gain allies with established bailiwicks and clout.

12 June 2021 marked the 123rd celebration of Philippine Independence Day. The roots of this celebration can be traced to the time when former President Emilio Aguinaldo issued a 21-page decree entitled "Acta de la Proclamacion de la Independencia del Pueblo Filipino," following the claim of victory by the Filipino American troops against Spanish forces in the Battle of Manila on May 1898. On the same day, the Philippine flag was waived for the first time while the Marcha Nacional Filipina was played.

Amid discussions on potential aspirants for national positions come 2022, we are probably aware that the same names and surnames from the same political families have come out as the frontrunners. In the country's pursuit to recover post-pandemic, it is essential that we look beyond the current pool or bench of choices we have amongst the tried-and-tested personalities who have thrown their hat formally and informally in next year's polls. The next administration needs to be economically and socially innovative to fast track the country's moral, social, and economic recovery and rehabilitation.

Political parties in the Philippines do not just serve as mere vehicles for the political aspirations of influential/powerful individuals. They are legally organized syndicates formed by a few who agree to acquire legitimate political power in pursuit of their shared selfish interests.

Public confidence in COVID-19 vaccines continues be a serious concern in the Philippines, even as the daily number of infections continue to rise following a spike in late March 2021 due to the entry of more transmissible variants. Vaccine hesitancy can be attributed to several factors such as the relatively short clinical trial periods prior to vaccine rollout, varying vaccine efficacies of several brands and incidents where severe side effects (e.g., blood clotting) were experienced.

With many forced to stay at home, Facebook and various social media platforms have been the go-to pastime, hobby, or activity. Facebook, in particular, has become a hub where one can obtain news and information, catch up with family, friends and loved ones, and buy and sell goods and services among others.

Defunding the task force is a knee-jerk reaction to the red-tagging issue of community pantries. It defeats the purpose of the Bayanihan spirit being promoted by community pantries. Instead of sowing further divide, leaders of the Armed Forces should call out its own Gen. Parlade for his uncivilized remarks against Community Pantry Initiator Ana Patricia Non.

It's time to divide the house between optimists and negatives. What type do you want to be identified with? Your choice!