Still the effective means of protection

Let me just mention another witness who previously testified against Sen. Leila de Lima has retracted his testimony. Former Bureau of Corrections officer-in-charge Rafael Ragos has retracted his testimony that De Lima received millions from the illegal drugs trade inside the New Bilibid Prison. He claims he was coerced, intimidated, and even threatened inclusion in the drug charges if he didn’t cooperate. A total of three witnesses of the prosecution have already retracted their testimonies. Naturally, the government’s countermove is to charge them with perjury. But shouldn't their revelations of coercion, threats, and intimidation to speak out against Sen. De Lima, a well-known critic of President Duterte be investigated first? Honestly, isn’t it becoming clear De Lima was targeted by this administration because of her investigation and criticism of Duterte even when he was still mayor of Davao City? With Duterte’s term about to end, we may see even more developments in this case.

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According to the DOH, the small increase in COVID-19 cases in some areas in NCR should not be a cause for concern. The total number of cases as well as those that need to be hospitalized is still low. But everyone is reminded to continue wearing a face mask, avoid crowds and sanitize hands. These are still effective means of protection against COVID-19. I do think the slight increase in numbers is due to the large rallies that have taken place in recent weeks. Only a few days remain before the elections so I'm sure the big mitings de avance of the candidates are being planned. That will surely draw mammoth crowds.

It’s a different story in China. The government has tightened and implemented partial and total lockdowns in some cities. One of these is Shanghai. Because of China’s Zero-COVID Policy, there is widespread disinfection of public places, even outdoors. According to experts, the coronavirus does not survive long on surfaces. The chances of you becoming infected with COVID-19 after touching a surface such as a table with the coronavirus is very low. Spraying disinfectant outdoors may not be of any help and may even be harmful. China seems to be panicking even as the total number of their cases is low compared to other countries. It seems hard to believe these low numbers in the course of two years. Is China underreporting?

But even so, it is still more effective to wear a mask and just avoid a lot of people. But during the campaign, especially in the coming days, it may be difficult to do that. I hope on the day of the election itself; many will not be infected. Our numbers are good. The economy and tourism are starting to recover. We don’t need another round of restrictions. The country and the world have enough issues brought about by Putin’s aggression against Ukraine.