So it begins

According to OCTA Research, Metro Manila's COVID-19 trend is declining, using positivity and reproduction rates as the basis. But this is no reason to be complacent even as the MMDA mulls placing the NCR on Alert Level 3 if the downward trend continues. Hospitals still report a considerable number of admitted cases. Hopefully, those who have been fully vaccinated help to reduce the spread of COVID-19. But according to the latest DOH data, only 19 million have been fully vaccinated while more than 23 million have received the first dose. This number is a far cry from the initial target of 70 million and the second target of 40 million which is supposed to be achieved this November. I don't think so. We are far from achieving herd immunity.

Aside from COVID being monitored by the people, something else has won the interest of the country. To quote Theoden from “The Two Towers”, "So it begins." I'm talking about politics and its relevance to the coming elections. Three have already announced their intention to run for president. The filing of candidacy will start on October 1 so the actual number of presidential aspirants is yet to be known. There are a few more out there, deniers and all, who may at the last minute show up at the Comelec, give a speech about answering the clamor of the people, and throw their hats into the ring.

According to Professor Edna Co of the University of the Philippines extension in Pampanga, it will be more difficult to have unified support for VP Leni Robredo if she decides to run because Sen. Manny Pacquiao and Mayor Isko Moreno have already announced their intentions to run. They were among the choices of 1Sambayan in fielding a candidate to run against the Duterte administration's candidate. Individual ambitions may have killed the forming of a unified opposition. I could see that a mile away.

Noticeable is the multitude of registrants at Comelec voter registration centers due to the limited number of people processed every day. The deadline is at the end of this month. There are calls to extend this deadline. It is good to see many wanting to exercise their right to vote in the coming election particularly first-time voters. Hopefully, we vote for the right candidate. One who will offer attainable solutions to the country's problems and bring back decency to the government. Voters should look beyond the usual campaign trappings such as entertainment and unreasonable promises. A candidate who will listen to everyone, not threaten, intimidate, and insult critics who may point out anomalies and possible corruption. A candidate who sees himself as a public servant, not an infallible king or ruler.