Introducing: The ‘DIATF’

D.I.A.T.F” is not the acronym for the next Avengers or Marvel story where the Super Heroes are anti-viral micro mutants smaller than Antman. It is not a new and improved version of the IATF; in fact, the way things have been going it is the opposite. The letter D stands for Disintegrating, as in Disintegrating Inter-Agency Task Force.

Judging from the very public spat among members of the IATF, differences in opinion and appreciation of data and consultants, the highly publicize anti-graft and corruption investigation of the DOH by the Ombudsman and the growing numbers of elected and private sector critics speaking out on the mistakes and mismanagement of the IATF, it is safe to say that the IATF could be suffering from “Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) a disorder characterized by extreme fatigue or tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest and can’t be explained by an underlying medical condition. CFS can also be referred to as systemic exertion intolerance disease.”

The IATF is also suffering from CPA or Chronic Politicization Syndrome characterized by the presence of perpetual aspirants for appointed and/or political positions, complicated by “diarrhea of the mouth” a disease regularly referred to by the late -great Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. CPA also presents an extreme need to monopolize narratives, dialogues and presentation. Those infected manifest a deficiency of fake vitamin D which explains extreme need for artificial lighting and electronic stimulation emanating from microphones and similar gadgets as well as the company of reporters and media personalities. The combined infection of CFS and CPA can lead to erratic hyper-sensitivity to correction, criticism and unsolicited advice, affecting temper and disposition while in others cause people to be withdrawn and uncooperative.

I’ve said it time and again the government cannot rely on a few good men to manage a health crisis while implementing the longest, continuing and financially destructive lockdown in recent history. There is even a big question on how many are the actual good and competent in the term Few Good Men? But we are now past that since some people with political and personal motives have entered the inner circle, pushed out or silenced others. The removal of Karlo Nograles as spokesman and TF consultant Dr. Anthony Leachon, and the varying or differing reactions among members of the IATF confirms two things: first the IATF is not united and second, the name of President Rodrigo Duterte has been weaponized by certain people in order to lord it over the IATF.

While the IATF might or can afford internal disagreements and lack of purity and integrity in purpose, they can’t stop what is already in the horizon if not in their neighborhood. The very lead agency and head of the IATF that is the DOH, is under investigation for graft and corruption leading to Covid related deaths and financial losses. The spokesperson for the IATF has publicly displayed contempt for people who cross him such as a CNN reporter and ex-task force consultant Dr. Tony Leachon thereby soliciting disapproval for practitioners who believe that spokespersons must never let their emotions get in front of the camera. To be fair, Roque has visibly toned things down and been more circumspect with his choice of words. But the spokesperson is also guilty of often speaking in the context of “I” and “Me” and not as “We” or “The IATF” which is more in keeping with accepted practice and his title, which is spokesperson.

While Secretary Roque is clearly a man of many talents and expertise, his multi-roles in government and as a public persona can put him in a tangle especially when he casually expresses his views or concerns on social media. Last week his comments about the failure of PhilHealth boss Rick Morales to go after corrupt people in the agency was certainly not welcomed and viewed as unprofessional and divisive considering they were on the same team and common courtesy, if not professionalism dictates that Roque should have first talked to Morales. As a self-confessed Christian, Roque should have followed biblical teaching where you first go to the party concerned directly. If that fails then you bring in witnesses and or elders. If all fail then have nothing to do with the person.

Aside from the Dis-unity that’s bubbling to the surface like unpleasant odor in a septic tank, the DIATF has been plagued by its piece meal approach to addressing problems. The “Second wave” of headaches for the DIATF will be a barrage of criticism that have been held back, alongside a growing number of people who have started making “paraan” or finding ways around government restrictions or incompetence or red tape. People are getting fed up with the atmosphere of uncertainty and if the IATF chooses to ignore the writing on the wall: “Me’ne, Me’ne, Te’Kel, Par’sin”. God has weighed you and you have been found lacking. Your kingdom will be given to others”. From the Book of Daniel chapter 5: 1-31, all the hard work of the IATF and sacrifices will be for naught except to buy time for our health workers and facilities to ramp up their defenses.

The IATF can disintegrate in a positive way by calling in reinforcement, sharing the work and spreading the responsibility from top to bottom. Create IATFs per industry or business sector. Right now only 600 people a day can fly into the Philippines because that’s the quota based on testing capacity of the DOH. The airlines can easily put up the money for more testing just like JoeyCon’s ARK did. Every industry should have a say and a “do” in decisions that affect them. Decentralize and Disintegrate can be positive ideas!

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