Social inequalities in the Philippines amidst COVID-19 pandemic

In these unfortunate and trying times, with the COVID-19 pandemic having to intervene in everyone’s daily living, all of us are in dire need of survival. Each and every one of us wants to get through this adversity. Social inequality is not a new phenomenon in the country and the pandemic has only widened the gap between the rich and the poor. The unattended issue of social inequality in the Philippines worsened as the country continues to battle the virus.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, businesses were forced to shut down and the unemployment rate has risen from 5.4% to 8.8%. The healthcare system is getting overwhelmed by the surge of COVID-19 patients as there has been a shortage of healthcare professionals and medical supplies. Moreover, DepEd has mandated schools, colleges, and universities to implement remote learning. The pandemic, which started over a year is still gravely affecting all walks of life in all aspects possible. With such, the question of what is it like being a Filipino, specifically belonging in any of the three primary social classes in the Philippines – the upper class, middle class, and the lower class, in the midst of the pandemic is being posed.

It is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic poses a threat to everyone’s life. However, some members of the upper and middle class know how to get on with ease and sometimes get away with sanctions and violations. Their connections allow them to throw parties, disregard protocols, and override rules. There is always someone to call to in case of trouble. Sad to say, the remaining social class seems to be stuck within four walls, waiting for their rations to come. They do not have the connection to get away from the tight grip of such adversity. While some have the luxury and the capability to continue their lives despite the pandemic, others are left grasping for almost nothing.

Social inequality proves itself in the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) represented by Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III and Dorothy Espejo, where the former is a senator and the latter is a homeless grandmother. Senator Pimentel was found to have the virus when his wife was due to give birth. Despite strict protocols on self-quarantine, the senator breached the protocols and the ECQ itself by rushing his pregnant wife to the hospital, endangering not only his wife and his unborn child but all the health workers he came into contact with as well. However, he was not sanctioned for his inconsiderate actions. Contrasting to the senator’s actions, Dorothy Espejo, a street dweller, was arrested and jailed due to resistance and disobedience to authority. This goes to show that the lower class or the poor are often judged wrongly if not accused impulsively by the privileged, while the powerful can escape prosecution due to their influence.

Having the right connections seems to tip the scales of justice in favor of the powerful. Patrons have the power to designate while clients rely on the rule of reciprocity unto these patrons, hence having an unfair advantage over those who don’t have access to such patrons. Instead of being united amidst adversity, there are those that have worse experiences due to a prejudiced framework. Still, anything can change. Society itself can change what was considered something inevitably dysfunctional. By being the voice of the voiceless; calling out the wickedness and malfeasance of anyone who tries to exploit and abuse their power and their fellowmen. Through these and more, we can gradually achieve a more just community.

Kristin Austria

Bea Tangcalagan

College students of the University of San Carlos