THE BACON 2020 COVID-19 EDITION

TABLE OF CONTENTS Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief : Sharmaine Canama Associate Editor for Reveille : Sophia Therese Del Castillo Associate Editor for Sinag : Mickaella Joyce Dumayag Associate Editor for Social Media : Ayesha Tulete & Kent Zacharee Masamayor Managing Editor : Vinz Harrold Basilio & Renz Marion Suarez News Editor : Wisey Democrito Sports Editor : Yusrhina Usman Feature Editor : Shariful Mansul Copy Reader(English) : Yves Joey Flores Communications Officer : Kelly Cassandra Teja Head Cartoonist : Karl Onayan Head Photojournalist : Teriez Michove Bokingkito Head Layout Artist : Andrea Nicole Zamora Adviser : Leah M. Panaguiton WRITERS Al Abdulpatta, Abdel Aziz Alfad, Nisa Marie Alfaro, Aungus Alpasain, Paula Alexis Ando, Jefferson Aray , Clairizza Arcillas, Fadzrati Asarud, Annafer Francine Besana, Patricia Calinawan, Danhill Daniles, Kim Loyd Dela Cruz, Dodi Ahmed Dinsuat, Vina Espejo , Tasha Eugenio, John Fabian, Sheriemike Gadin, Rosen Gabriel Garcia , Jehanne Hassan, Kristian Ken Mabalot, Annsel Magno, Fatima Mandangan, Erika Jenn Quisil, Denise Salvador, Joshua Salvador, Kristine Segayo, Chrizelle Jane Sicat, Rolly Songcayauon , Renzo Tan, Alyssa Tubilag PHOTOJOURNALISTS Al Francis Alquizar, Denzel Sean Bautista, Jean Clarice Bue, Sean Vincent Del Castillo, Lance Kirby Gigante, James Hamoy, Charlyn Laran, Jerecho Salinel, Shannen Marthy Semil, Deanna Toledo CARTOONISTS Jonie Alaban, Ayana Dawn Atis, Ma. Sofia Carro Falcasantos, Razty Guevara, Crystalane Hagonoy, Shamy Jailani, Johanna Ismene Julian, Maria Reolyn Pilones, Allysa Marie Ramiso, Gwen Toribio LAYOUT ARTISTS Charlene Lizardo, Neil Miro VIDEOGRAPHER Peter Valmonte

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BEACON Publications

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03

Answered Call for Mass Testing

04

Could It Get Any Worse?

05

If Only Duterte’s Administration Heeds on Warnings

06

Koko in a Nutshell

07

Getting “Read” of DDS

08

The Search for Joy

09

Made in China “Mocha” is Cancelledt

10

Hungry? Grab a Panelo

11

Some Moral-less: A story not worth retelling

12

Online Rambulan isn’t Cool

13

GREED: VIP Treatment for Government Officials and Their Family

14

#viVICO: Young Politician Steals the Nation’s Heart

15

MythBusters: Viral edition

17

Fake Cures Against Covid

18

Final Exams Cancelled

19

Record of Covid19 Cases Globally

ABOUT THE COVER It had taken some time before the President declared a lockdown and banned all flights in and out of the country, inevitably causing the transmission of COVID-19. The delayed response of the Philippine government had taken its toll when, unbeknownst to most Filipinos, they have continued to indulge in their normal daily routine, such as commuting. In turn, the global health crisis began to transform the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Covers Front: Contamination by Crystalane Hagonoy BS NMCA Back: Heroes by Sofia Falcasantos BS NMCA

EDITORIAL

Title: Quarantine over Testing by EASY-Q

Answered Call for Mass Testing

“To heal as one” is not synonymous to wait for the other ones to be killed or infected by the virus until the vaccine is ready.

From one case of COVID-19 last January 30, 2020, followed by three cases in February, now it is rapidly increasing to thousands and killing hundreds of Filipinos nationwide. The Filipino people demanded the government for widespread testing in high-density communities and mobilize the local government units (LGU) to set-up testing centers. Aside from face masks, PPE suit, rubbing alcohol, and germicidal soap, an arsenal of test kits is vital to combat the enemy that is too small to see. Fighting blindly against the viral disease is quite insidious. Undetected cases bear more qualms than the confirmed cases as there are still an unknown number of infected people carrying the virus without symptoms.

Meanwhile, the battle against COVID-19 drastically changed the way Filipino households live their lives. Force and fear fueled by the government thrived in detaining people in their own homes without means to put food on their table. Fear drove people to come out of their house struggling from hunger but then force lead people to follow the rule otherwise shot dead. This left residents living below the poverty line three choices of demise a) die due to hunger, b) die from authorities, or c) die because of the virus worse not even confirmed to have one. A bustling third world country is not at ease. Thus, this urged people to call for mass testing. Flattening the curve is the utmost concern before the hampered health care system collapse. But to prevent the sharp peak of the new cases over a longer period the government must catch the disease and the carriers. For now, mass testing is the only best line of defense to catch the virus before it has the chance to escalate and before the carriers have the chance to unknowingly pass it on.

The key concept of mass testing is to identify, isolate and quarantine everyone infected including the asymptomatic to control the outbreak

The netizens of the Philippines urged the Department of Health (DOH) to conduct mass testing before the crisis gets even worse. This came after the DOH initially said that there was “no need” for mass testing even if the World Health Organization (WHO) says “aggressive action” must be done by Southeast Asian countries to fight the pandemic. Amid the lack of test kits in the country the VIPs a.k.a. government officials and their families were reported to have undergone the test. After immense tweets and retweets, the netizens had the DOH announced that by April 14, it will be capable of conducting 3,000 tests per day. There would be a need to prioritize those vulnerable members of the population as well as the front line health workers who have the highest exposure to the virus. Would the DOH conduct a widespread test for its powerless people if they did not demand for it? Or is the easier, more believable explanation— that the increasing COVID-19 cases in the country reflect the government shameful failure to define the phrase “to heal as one” means to patch up only the important ones?

The steady rise of COVID-19 cases in the country is not new anymore. Yet, at this time of great jeopardy, the futility of some officials still persists that the people had to protest on social media to voice out their dismay. The call for mass testing might be the result of the rant and rave by the netizens who want to take action against this crisis. However, ranting still bears serious consequences. The use of run-on sentences and liberal use of exclamation points in a written outburst could be an indication for one’s lack of logic, courtesy, and respect. While there are unending COVID-19 tests in the country, the government still has to take actions on supporting our healthcare system by training additional manpower for mass testing, supplying health workers with needed medical equipment, finding laboratories for local testing centers, ensuring emergency quarantine facility for the patients, and most importantly safeguarding the survival rate of poor Filipino families.

For the time being in the absence of a vaccine, each person should take extreme preventive measures by maintaining good hygiene practices as the contagion of the viral disease becomes even more treacherous. A person who tested negative today might be infected by the virus tomorrow.

If the healthcare system collapses before we can even contract the virus, no man can buy time to rant about the “Call for Mass Burial.”

The Beacon Publications |

03

OPINION

By Major Facepalm

I

t isn’t much of a shock when we say that the Philippines have a government indifferent to its poor healthcare system that mocks its own health professionals.

In fact, it has always been notorious for its lousy, threadbare service.

As we witness the outright disregard of the Philippine government for our health workers, it does not come as a surprise; certainly disappointing, but not surprising. Could it get any worse?

Undoubtedly, yes.

Though the Department of Health (DOH) has managed to apologize for it, the fact that they have initially arrived at the idea of paying P500 a day for volunteer health workers to battle against COVID-19 is utterly insulting and disrespectful.

How the Health department managed to put a pathetic, offensive price tag of P500, which is even lower than the minimum wage for workers, on the service of medical professionals highly reflects how the government gives little to no regard for their welfare. The post, which was issued last March 27, called for “health care warriors” who will be deployed in the three referral hospitals that would cater patients to aid in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the 28-day volunteer engagement, working 8-hour shifts for 14 days straight and on-site quarantine for the succeeding 14 days. Should they contract the disease, they’ll be compensated with P100,000 and P1 million if they die.

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As if this isn’t enough, Maristela Abenojar, Filipino Nurses United President, revealed that there are volunteer nurses who have been asked to sign a waiver saying that DOH would have no responsibility over them should they contract COVID-19. This just illustrates how insensitive the government is to the health of its own professionals; it is a government that impedes the security of its own people that are very much entitled to receive rightful treatment.

The overall disregard of the government took its toll when hundreds of health workers, from doctors to nurses to other medical workers, are on quarantine and a total of 21 doctors have died due to COVID-19 as of April 7, as reported by the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines (PHAP).

On a lighter note, President Rodrigo Duterte, on his March 30 address, honored healthcare workers who died while fighting the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. But somehow, he still managed to mess it up. It is, accordingly, a great honor to die for one’s country and that they are lucky to do so. However, if the deaths could have been prevented, it is like a big slap on the face to those who have died fighting.

Philippine Medical Association Commission on Legislation chairman Dr. Oscar Tinio believes that the deaths could have been prevented if there was enough supply of personal protective equipment

(PPE). With the allocated budget of P75 billion for health initiatives granted by the Bayanihan ‘to Heal as One’ Act and a supplemental budget of P1.6 billion for DOH, the government can certainly afford to provide ample amount of PPEs and test kits for the health workers. How are we supposed to combat COVID-19 when our health professionals are dying?

We’re privileged enough to have dedicated health professionals, willing to risk their lives in service of the Filipinos.

Now we can only offer our respect by giving them what is due. It is only necessary to render the long overdue deliverance and prioritize our health workers, so they don’t go fleeing abroad, or even worse, dying.

Perhaps one day, it becomes a shock when health professionals leave for abroad, or government officials get special treatments, or the president fails to protect its country’s health workers.

That is because we have been so accustomed to a government capable of providing an inclusive, functional healthcare system with great regard for health professionals that a substandard, unjust one comes as a surprise to us.

One can only hope.

Title: DU30 Admin Poor Response by Redassdawn

OPINION

If only

Duterte’s Administration heeds on warnings

By Rolly Songcayauon

P

erhaps it’s the fast, as they call it, internet capacity of the Philippines which made information almost available to everybody, or it might be those several television networks for accurately broadcasting news to people, or possibly Duterte’s administration’s competence that our healthcare system is not prepared for this disquieting pandemic. Recalling that President Duterte announced a temporary entry ban on Chinese travelers from afflicted areas in China, where this virus originated, just one day after saying he did not want to restrict the admittance of Chinese Nationals in the country left me unsure of whether his [Duterte] sudden change of plan is too quick for an emergency response or too late for protecting the Filipino people.

As of April 15, 2020, 5,223 people have been registered as confirmed coronavirus cases in the nation. This increasing number of positive cases reveals to us that the authority has been mishandling the crisis and unsatisfactorily responding to the dilemma at hand. The goal of all nations is to stop the transmission of this incredibly infectious disease. And as implied, it is the virus that should be killed, not the people. But why are most Filipino residents starving? Why are they arrested when they are merely pleading for some food? Where is the provision of relief goods for families? Where is the 275 billion pesos emergency fund for these people? All these needs were nonexistent until President Duterte made his address announcing the allocation of five to eight thousand pesos to be given to the susceptible sectors of the society and are eligible to acquire the said aid as well as the distribution of relief goods which will be spearheaded by the DSWD. And now, one of the facets of the predicament has been solved, but for how long could it sustain the people? Questions still emanate as people worry that the duration of this pandemic might take longer than expected and the assistance might not cater to the totality of the populace whose demands are of equal significance with that of Luzon’s.

One of the bigger inquisitions that citizens have been screaming is the containment of the virus as to how the government proposes to impede its growth. Netizens were imploring to the government for an international entry ban, restricting people from coming in the country particularly for those Chinese nationals, but our administration refused to do so as health secretary Duque rejected the idea explaining it would spark “political and diplomatic repercussions” but not until one day just after the president’s refusal speech of this entry ban made a declaration for a temporary entry ban on Chinese travelers which happened on the latter portion of January. But was that too abrupt that it helped halted the spread of the disease? Or was that too held up for hurting the mighty dragon? Certainly no. If it aimed to secure the people, then that reaction was too delayed since last February, when the first death case of coronavirus was reported in the country. And if its objective was to maintain its warm relations with China, then it failed in doing so since they just approved the entry ban which would mean “political and diplomatic

repercussions” as aforementioned. Thanks to the sudden realization of the government, the Philippines now tops ASEAN countries with the most number of COVID-19 cases in the region. Currently, as a precautionary measure of the administration, the president ordered an extended lockdown of the entire Metro Manila until the end of April, telling the whole nation to stay home and practice social distancing and proper handwashing. These are all evident as preventive methods to almost all news but not ‘really’ with our president’s national address. Of course, his discussions relevant to coronavirus outbreak would always be distinct above everybody else.

Attacking Human Rights lawyer Chel Diokno on his physical appearance particularly his “big teeth” and compared him to a janitor, “I will not hesitate

to order the police to arrest and detain you pag nag riot-riot kayo, I will not hesitate my soldiers to shoot you”, “Do not try to overdo things or think that you can do what you want to do, because that is not allowed. We move in one direction precisely to place the contagion control. Huwag kang magbiyahe nang sarili mo.”

These are some of the lines and arguments in the public talks of President Digong with regards to his plan to combat COVID-19 which stood out differently as netizens questioned where his specific instructions about the lockdown measures and the concrete plan for mass testing and intensified contact tracing were. All these were absent which resulted in worse situations of panic buying and hoarding, increasing the likelihood of a person being infected. But on the contrary, not everyone has immediate access to food and basic needs. Not all Filipino people have access to clean water or even any kind of water itself in marginalized parts of our society. What about them?

How can the administration impose preventive measures to the nation when key necessities that could help protect a person in a crisis like this is lacking?

It seems like the administration is forgetting the impact of the crisis on the most vulnerable because the poor are not forgotten, then all those public discussions should be complete, comprehensive, punctual, and detailed.

If these characteristics are not present, then the government must be held accountable for the consequences the poor suffer from.

If only the Philippines had a fast and reliable internet connection, signs and warnings from our neighboring countries might reach Duterte’s administration as swift as possible and news from our television networks might display accurate headlines to avoid confusions and fallacies that most people greatly pays attention to. Once the dust settles, which we are all praying and soon will happen, we must not lose consciousness of what happened to our fellow Filipino citizens who died because “the government is more concerned with hurting China’s feelings rather than protecting its people.” And we must not lose sight of what character our leaders unveiled during this pandemic because this would be the last time our government should fail us. We will not forget.

The Beacon Publications |

05

SATIRE

KO KO in a Nutshell

By Give Me Fierce

Title: Misplaced Compassion by Miso

A

famous convict politician once said, “Use your Kokote,” wise words, if only actions followed though. This is none other than the renowned breacher of protocol, Senator Un Koko Loco. It led to a series of inconsiderate activities and claims, a heartwarming relationship between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Koko, and an unsilenced voice of protest. So let’s crack open this nut, and unravel this conundrum wrapped in a riddle.

Amidst this global pandemic, it’s commonsense to adhere to the established laws and protocols when boxes start to tick in the COVID-criteria –stop what you’re doing and go into quarantine. Anyone who knows how to use their kokote would comply, well not this Koko –a hardheaded nutcase.

Picture this, a man who starts feeling “body pains like flu” undergoes self-quarantine as it should be, then five days later decides to shop at the membership club S&R at Bonifacio Global City. Now going back a few days and quoting some of his statements, “I

quarantined myself since March 11, 2020, and already tried to limit my movements,” just to be clear he already breached the protocol. Fast forward to March 24, Koko heroically finds his way to Makati Medical Center to accompany his wife, who was scheduled to give birth via c-section the following day, mind you, his self-quarantine isn’t over yet. And to everyone’s surprise, he got a call saying he tested positive for

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COVID-19 whilst still inside the hospital.

He then blurts out things like “oh I didn’t know I was positive ‘till now,” ignorance won’t get him anywhere. A bad surprise, a bad decision, and a bad excuse. He wanted to see his newborn, disregarding the fact that he hasn’t been feeling well and that HE IS STILL IN QUARANTINE. What kind of excuse could he possibly make?

His foolishness resulted in jeopardizing the health and safety of the people he has come into contact with, when all he had to do was stay at home. These kinds of incidents shouldn’t be tolerated. Lives. Are. On. The. Line.

What do we want? Justice! When do we need it? Now! Let’s turn our heads to Departmnet of Justice (DOJ) who, surprisingly, rolls their eyes on a warrantless arrest and appeals for “coMpASsioN.” Yes, it’s sad but true. Koko got away with it. “During abnormal times like this, when

people are prone to commit mistakes or violations of the law, the DOJ will temper the rigor of the law with human compassion.

But this is not to say that the DOJ will not act upon the filing of a proper complaint by any interested party,” said Justice Secretary Guevarra. How convenient for Koko, right?

Let’s not forget about the ordinary citizens who breached the same protocols and had similar circumstances as Koko, although they were sanctioned accordingly, maybe DOJ just handpicks who gets to be blessed

with compassion. Fortunately, the odds were in his favor. Who knows, they might have done some rigorous investigation called “KO-rruption and KO-nnection.”

Mr. Koko is a well-deserved recipient of DOJ’s compassion; this act showcases the untouched scales of Lady Justice.

Not to fret, we, the people, won’t allow this nonsense. Armed with social media, citizens take it to themselves to scream injustice and demand the authorities at the top, to do their jobs right. And to render it legal, lawyer Rico Quicho, former dean of the University of Makati School of Law filed a complaint against Koko for violating the notifiable diseases law when he breached the government’s quarantine protocols. And to people’s favor, a subpoena has been issued to Koko. He finally receives the golden ticket to court, again, a welldeserved recipient. Hoping for a just trial, together let’s take our ritual candles out and pray that he is served with the bitter taste of justice.

In a nutshell, as cliché as it sounds, ignorance of the law excuses no one – especially politicians. Koko should learn his lesson like a big boy, DOJ should no longer cover up for his mistakes, compassion won’t set him free anymore –a fair amount of time behind bars would. And maybe next time, he would take his own advice to “Use your Kokote.”

SATIRE

Get t i n g By

‘re a d ’

U n b ot h e r e d

o f

DDS

B *t c h

Disclaimer: The article you’ll be reading intends no harm to anyone. However, if you are a DDS, skip this. This will surely hit you. Bye, Felicia!

I bet you’re reading this article either because (1) you are not a

Photo Courtesy of Quicksilver’s

DDS, or (2) you are a DDS but you want to bash my content (since you are used to it), or (3) you are a DDS and you did not read and understand my disclaimer (Sizt, reading comprehension!).

The enhanced community quarantine has brought us to a plethora of

discussions which is usually set on social media. It went from timely arguments like the poor response of the government in containing the novel coronavirus, as well as the bizarre issue on Filipino’s low reading comprehension and how it manifests in these trying times. Both topics might be not quite the same, but these are all driven by dissimilar political views of the public. Debates and disputes between the critics and the DDS or the Die-hard Duterte Supporters (mostly composed of paid trolls) are almost boundless. The heated discussion

often boils down to nonsense arguments that buzz off from the real issue.

Venezuela, a country located in South America, continuing to hold religious

They often resort to ad hominem attacks that cheapen the debate. One of

procession despite the nationwide lockdown in their country caused by the

the most worn-out defense especially by the DDS when they run out of sound

COVID-19 crisis.

and valid argument is the low reading comprehension of Filipinos especially in consuming information related to the existing health crisis and discerning whether the said information is fake or not. Unfortunately, these are also the same people who follow Mocha Uson, a fake-news peddler..

is the true “bobo?” Who do you think needs to practice fact-checking before sharing information on social media? Who do you think needs to enhance their reading comprehension? Well, I bet you know the answer.

Just to prove a point, here are some reactions of DDS on some

Some netizens, DDS in particular, were overwhelmed by their

emotions which led them to think that Venezuela and Valenzuela City are the same. Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian, on his Twitter post, said “Hindi ko alam na ako na din pala ang pinuno ng bansa na Venezuela.”

“Bobo [dumb]” is what they often describe to the critics (“dilawan”

or “left” in their own language) of their Tatay Digong. But who do you think

What the news actually tells us: The news report shows people in

Google donates Google Ads

News headline: Google donates $5M in ad credits to Philippine

govt’s COVID-19 information efforts

DDS be like: “Salamat Google! Malaking tulong ‘yan kay Pangulong

Duterte para masugpo ang COVID-19. *crying emoji*”

issues which attest how poor their “reading comprehension” is:

#SolusyongMedikalHindiMilitar

donated by Google is not an actual cash which is contrary to what some

DDS be like: “Ano gusto niyo, doktor ang magbabantay sa check point

tapos military ang gagamot sa hospital? Mga bobo!”

What it actually means: #SolusyongMedikalHindiMilitar is a call

for the government to boost their support to health workers by making sure that necessary medical supplies are available to cure those infected and to

What the news actually tells us: The $5 Million worth of ad credits

assumed. In support of the Philippines, Google allows the government to advertise materials related to COVID-19 awareness for free up to the extent of the said amount. This aims to disseminate information to a wider audience.

There were no cash donations involved..

Now, tell me who lacks “reading comprehension?”

contain the virus. At the same time, it is also a demand to provide the necessary

protective equipment for military personnel who maintain “peace and order”

how poor our healthcare system is. It did not simply demonstrate how

in the communities to prevent them from contracting the virus.

incompetent our government is in handling urgent matters and perhaps how

Venezuela and Valenzuela

News headline: “Sa Venezuela, tuloy ang prusisyon ng Nazarene of St.

Paul kahit may nationwide quarantine na ipinatutupad doon dahil sa COVID-19 pandemic.”

DDS be like: “SINABI NG WAG KAYONG LALABAS NG BAHAY EH.

Makukulit din ‘tong mga pinoy na ‘to eh. Hahawaan nito pa kami kaka-prosisyon niyo dyan sa Valenzuela? Mga dilawan ba kayo para magprosisyon??”

Anyway, the pandemic we are facing right now did not just validate

incapable they are in leading this country. This health crisis also lay bare our political differences that attest to how divisive our nation is caused by the shortcomings of our crooked government. And more than anything else, it revealed those who need immediate educational intervention.

The current global pandemic brings to light those who are blinded

by the erroneous beliefs of their political idols and those who truly care for the nation and its people.

COVID-19 shows the best and, most of the time, the worst in us.

The Beacon Publications |

07

SATIRE

Th e

S e a rc h

f or

Joy

by K U P I T - 1 9

People want to feel joy in everything. Finding joy is probably one of people’s aspirations in life, and each day holds a possibility of great discoveries and hidden joy. However, joy cannot be easily found and felt, especially in Quezon City. With the recent outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the Philippines, mayors of various cities have taken measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Quezon City holds the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, but the city’s mayor, “Jhoy Belmonte Aligunggung” seems to be more active in social media than in extending aid to her constituents. What on earth have you been doing, Jhoy?

March 15, she posted on Facebook that for her birthday, she has decided to distribute 100,000 health packs to indigent families. Take note: HAS DECIDED. Come on, Jhoy. Is not that your job as the mayor, and not just a random decision for you to make? You are not elected by your constituents just for you to decide whether or not they will receive assistance from you. IT IS YOUR JOB. Moreover, it was rumored that a garbage truck was used to distribute relief goods around the vicinity as photos of a yellow rusty truck loaded with tons of relief goods circulated around social media. The local government of Quezon City strongly denied the allegation and indicated that the truck used was a cargo/utility truck. Nonetheless, if it was indeed a garbage truck, people would not die of COVID-19 — people will die because of this idiocy.

March 22, in an interview, Jhoy admitted that three COVID-19 positive patients were sent home as hospital facilities around Quezon were already overwhelmed with confirmed cases.

Yes, you read it right. The three patients were positive, and they were SENT HOME. “They are showing, fortunately, just very, very mild symptoms. And I think, probably, they might be asymptomatic that’s why also there’s a little bit of lack of concern to isolate them in a facility,” Jhoy said, all smiles. She continues, saying, “Now, what’s happening is the person gets tested but because there’s no place for them to stay while they’re waiting for the results, they get sent home. So, even if they’re positive, they get sent home.” Even if it was not actually Jhoy who sent the patients home, she could have thought of alternatives to isolate the patients to prevent the virus from spreading in the community the patients lived in. Is she really trying to prevent a contagion, or is she promoting one?

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People, indeed want to find and feel joy. However, if it is Quezon City’s Jhoy, no thanks. The pandemic brought out the officials who were actually worthy of the citizens’ votes and revealed the true colors of officials who were all sizzle and no steak. This is an important reminder for all of us capable of voting, that we should be keen on who we put on the seats of the government. At trying times like this, the only hope of many Filipinos is those seated in the government.

Photo Courtesy of Pep.ph

March 19, after receiving backlash from netizens and constituents for her incompetence as compared to the other mayors in the metro, she stressed, “To those who hate me, you are under no obligation to accept any of my projects - housing, education, healthcare, social benefits” and that “they (her bashers) are welcome to exercise their right to refuse.” Unless you emptied your pockets to fund your projects, Ms. Jhoy Belmonte Aligunggung, you have no right to be selective on who reaps the benefits of your projects.

Your projects are funded by the taxes paid by the citizens of your jurisdiction — every one of these citizens, whether a basher or a supporter, is entitled to benefit from your projects.

April 01, 21 residents of the city were arrested for staging a protest due to the lack of food and relief support amid the government’s implementation of a lockdown. Formal charges were filed against the individuals arrested, but thankfully, each have posted bail partly funded by kindhearted individuals. The arrest is not the issue — the lack of food and relief support is. Jhoy was all about repacking relief goods for thousands of families under her jurisdiction and house-to-house distribution of these food packs was even promised. The local government of Quezon City insisted that every individual of the city benefited from the continuous distribution of the food packs, but how come some residents were not able to receive the food aid? Where did the promised food packs go?

SATIRE

Made in China

is cancelledt

By I don’t judge and I don’t vfresh

H

ave you ever heard of “the” queen?

No, it is not the Queen of Scots nor Queen Elizabeth II of England. It is a person of influence, someone who has gained popularity through social media— Facebook and Twitter. Being followed and liked by over 5 million people because of the compelling shared posts, which majority of it are misleading information, offensive, and false reports. Due to this repetitive act, Ms. “Mocha” deserves a crown of her own.

That is why the Philippine netizens gave her the title of a queen: the “Queen of Fake News”. But the blame is not entirely hers for repeatedly spreading and propagating fake news that thousands of people read and believe, because she is just a mere victim of false contextualization.

The global pandemic became a great opportunity for citizens to attack and throw shady remarks to someone with good intentions amidst the COVID-19 crisis.

Quite opportunistic just like Mocha’s Blog.

A Facebook page created way back in 2006 that gives sex-related advices then converted into an avenue for political advocacy that strongly supports the Duterte administration in 2016. It seems like the sex-related posts did not garner as much followers so she needed to change her strategy, which worked. From that turning point, the page itself bloomed with many die-hard Duterte supporters (DDS) along with the lies, hate speech, and disinformation shared/produced

by the admin of this network. Sadly, the topography of the Philippines will not adjust to her “Mayon in Naga” blunder.

Consequently, #MochaUsonIsOverParty became trending on Twitter because of a shared post by Banat By— context includes criticisms and negative remarks to the Pasig City Mayor, Vico Sotto. And then what happened? Nothing interesting, the page was already notorious for biased posts and propaganda, it just had sparked the fire within the thousands of woke and furious netizens. A public backlash against the former assistant secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), current deputy administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and a controversial blogger, Ms. Margaux “Mocha” Uson. The hashtag is a movement that the public demands that involves a collective group of people to do mass reporting to take down the page “Mocha Uson Blog” on Facebook and Twitter. It had to be done sooner or later.

Mocha Uson Blog is indeed an epitome of the freedom of speech being misused. That is always the way, isn’t it?

Although Mocha Uson’s position in the government plays a role into why her page was condemned publicly, the overlooking of the responsibility of fact checking was the very reason why the public appeals for the abolishment of her social media platforms.

The mass reporting is significant because it is the manifestation of the public’s response against the proliferation of fake news. It does not mark the infectivity of invalidating fraudulent statements by fact checking in the comment section. Hence it marks the possibility of putting an end to stubborn individuals or groups that continuously disseminate false information despite criticisms and warnings.

Amidst the mass reporting against the page, it somehow found its way to exist.

Whether the account was taken down by the management of Facebook and Twitter or it was deactivated and got revived after the issue was toned down, the reason remains unknown. Moreover, fake news, the pandemic that had existed even before the COVID-19, must halt absolutely.

Ultimately, it is not wrong to voice out opinions and arguments that either support or criticize the government as long as it is supported by the truth. A wisdom that needs to be absorbed multiple times by a particular “public figure”— like Mocha, who is a fake news victim and a peddler. If disregarded, well #MochaUsonIsOverPartyPart2 is coming soon.

The Beacon Publications |

09

SATIRE

W

e always loved the government for being able to see the brighter side of the problems. Optimism is one thing to overcome crisis, and we witness this value in our Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo’s passionate words as a reply to the concerns of many Filipinos, making him the number one presidential spokesperson.

We should give Panelo a medal for being able to create the most inspiring message in times of crisis which everyone tries to be.

Despite the encouraging words, not everyone felt the empathy that Panelo tried to reach to the Filipino people due to mass criticisms on such remark.

Ever since COVID-19 crisis, the government tried to ease the worries of our countrymen in many ways. Remember when President Rodrigo Duterte said that there is nothing to be scared of even COVID-19 is a global pandemic or how the Department of Health tried to calm the atmosphere by saying that there is no need for mass testing despite the rising number of cases? Who could forget Senator Koko Pimentel’s breach of quarantine protocols and saying that just disinfect the places he has been which further added to the burden of the hospital? And despite the worsening situation of COVID-19 crisis in the country, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, still says that our country is one of the model countries in preventing the virus?

In a nutshell, it has been a culture of Filipinos to see the brighter side of things despite what problems come. Panelo has been an effective spokesperson by doing the art of looking for silver linings.

Hence, he clarified that the statement was an exaggerated reply to the exaggerated expression of problems of those people. He also stated that the virus is far more deadly than hunger, and ECQ is the way to promote social distancing and prevent the spread of the pandemic. He also clarified that the government is in full support to provide relief goods – the government is ready for this. He also implied that all of us have friendly neighbors to help us in need.

In simple words, Panelo thought that his statement that literally meant that nobody dies of hunger in a month can be figuratively expressed as the aforementioned. This proves his effectiveness as spokesperson. Maybe if Philippines confronts crisis concerning terrorism, he might say that Filipinos are immune to bullets to imply that the government is prioritizing the safety of the Filipinos.

The Luzon-wide Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) was one of the first responses for COVID-19. It was carefully planned to the extent that the only ones who are prepared to such measure are the ones in the government themselves. This caused panic and confusion to the citizens for they worry how are they to spend the next 30 days inside their homes with limited finances, food and water supply, and other necessities. The marginalized, who are greatly affected by ECQ, were protesting their concerns once their livelihood will be put to halt, hence criticizing the protocols made by the national government through the remarks “they will die out of hunger”.

Of course, Panelo was able to be optimistic in this kind of emergency. In Radyo Inquirer, he was able to respond with these encouraging words:

Using sarcasm to give answers to the cries of Filipino people proves his empathy towards the marginalized sector. It is a shame that almost all of the members of this sector barely receives help from the government, and does not have “good neighbors” since these neighbors have the same situation, extended families to help nor savings from the wages that would last for a month without income like he does. It is also a shame that the exaggerated reactions of these people are not out of sarcasm like his, but their situation is dire as it would sound – they are worried if none of the help would reach them and Panelo understood this perfectly, not in a way Filipinos would understand.

“WALANG NAMAMATAY SA GUTOM. ANG ISANG BUWAN, HINDI KA PA MAMAMATAY.” As the Presidential Spokesperson, his words reflect the say of the government to this issue.

Imagine the poor in a state of distress due to limited basic necessities and finances being scarce, and your government expects you to live a month with that supplies and support.

1 0 | Th e Beacon Publications

Photo Courtesy of Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism

Photo Courtesy of MSN News

Filipinos are known for being hopeful, but when politics makes it hardcore it can be scary. Due to the current government’s actions, one may think what has COVID-19 did to our current government, or has it always been like this?

FEATURE

Some Moral-less: A story not worth retelling

By Unbothered b’tch Title: Cybercrime of Catfishing by Amy Asthma

It is a fictional story set in the real world. It is perfectly directed, well-executed, and deserving of everyone’s interest hailed as Netflix-worthy story. And guess what, they got an award they deserve – the unwanted scrutiny of the public.

Ever since the community quarantine started due to the unprecedented growth of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines caused by the incompetence of the government, people keep on looking for something to hold them busy. Perhaps, most of us grab the opportunity to either bingewatch our favorite K-Drama series or make the most out of our premium subscription on Netflix. There are also some, actually, just a handful of them, choose to review their notes and enrolled themselves in online classes.

Regardless of how you spend your “quarantine life,” you deserve no judgment.

Days have passed and we feel like we already had exhausted everything on the internet. Not until the night of March 30 when the Twitter world made a noise loud enough to reach someone like me who’s not even active on Twitter.

It was a Twitter thread by Jzan Vern Tero, a transwoman and a victim of catfishing. It was a lengthy thread and I bet you know every detail of it.

THE CAST

It is like any typical story which has a battered protagonist and devilish antagonists. The same applies to the catfishing incident which topped the worldwide trending list on Twitter. The story involves at least 3 characters: Jzan Tero, the victim; Sam Morales, the evil mastermind/puppeteer; and Bill Iver Reyes who eventually identified to be Bilko Argana, the puppet, and a rapist. There are other individuals involved in this conundrum and their identities are yet to be disclosed as of writing this article. Jzan Tero is a transwoman college student from Cebu who claimed to be a victim of catfishing or the “act of luring men or women into a relationship using a fictional online persona.” As someone longing for true love, Jzan risked by meeting guys through online dating platforms like Tinder where she was matched with Bil Iver Reyes or Bilko Argana in real life. Argana is a freelance model working in Manila. Sam Morales came in the picture when she introduced herself as a cousin of Bil Reyes. However, when everything unfolded, Morales turned out to be the mastermind of the entire fiasco. She was behind the online identity of Bill Iver Reyes and she allegedly forced Bilko Argana to be the stand-in boyfriend. She describes herself as a “dedicated and meticulous multimedia artist” who worked with celebrities like Alex Gonzaga, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Kim Chiu to name a few. She also worked for big brands like H&M, Teviant, and Jag. More than being a thriving artist, Sam Morales is a liar, transphobic, manipulator and social predator.

THE PLOT

To cut the story short Jzan was a victim of catfishing by a woman who manipulated and uses her male assistant as a cloak to satisfy her fetish of hurting the Trans community. For 8 long, traumatic months, Jzan endured her bittersweet relationship with someone who’s technically unknown to her. They exchanged sweet messages. They also had some fights just like any couple out there. Yet, Jzan, who admitted being “marupok,” holds up to the last string just to keep their unconventional relationship. They also attempted to see each other in person but most of the time it ended up being canceled until Jzan found the true identity of Bil Iver Reyes through social media

with the help of her friends. She was devastated for knowing the truth. But before ending her relationship with him, the transwoman wants “closure.” She messaged Sam Morales asking her to help in fixing her problem with Bilko and to finally have closure. Sam vowed to do her best in convincing Bilko to talk to Jzan for the last time. It eventually happened. Bilko asked forgiveness and Jzan forgave. However, it did not end there. The two continue to talk to each other for a couple of months. Until one time when the stars aligned, Jzan and Bilko, with the help of Sam, got the chance to see each other in Manila.

They spent the entire day together. When Sam left, the couple finally had their private moments together. Jzan asked Bilko for a kiss, but he didn’t want to until apparently, Bilko started f*cking her. “Masaya ka na?” Bilko asked her after their sex which is, by the way, happened without the consent of Jzan.

The transwoman felt molested. After the encounter, everything was unveiled.

Bilko divulged that their entire relationship was fabricated by Sam Morales.

AN UNUSUAL ADDICTION OF A TRAUMATIZED CHILD

After the big revelation of the entire show, Sam Morales confirmed that she was the one behind the identity of Bil Iver Reyes. She confessed that it was not Bilko who exchanges messages with Jzan but instead it was her. As a defense, she told Jzan that what she did was caused by a traumatic experience during her childhood. According to the thread of Jzan, Sam was bullied by gay people when she was young. The homophobic uncle of Sam made a revenge for her. He manipulated one of the gay people to fall in love with him and eventually break up. This absurd “legacy” was passed down to Sam until it became her “addiction.” She was invested and passionate about what she was doing that she is willing to spend a lot of money on foolishness. Aside from Jzan Tero, other transwomen claimed that they were caught on the trap of Sam Morales. Accordingly, they would victimize Trans or gay people, make them fall in love and then ghost them. It appears like before we had a Gerald Anderson, there is a Sam Morales.

Sam Morales and the transphobia in PH

The case of Sam Morales is not just a catfishing incident; it also pictures the status quo of transphobia in our homeland. At this age and time where acceptance and respect for the “rainbow community” are thriving, it is sad to hear stories that bring back horrible memories. History tells us that Trans people where once objectified as means to satisfy sexual desires. They were even accused as perpetrators of catfishing because of their sexual orientation and gender identities. In the case of Jzan Tero, it is clear that Transgender people are the true victims of longstanding hate and discrimination against them. Playing with someone’s feelings regardless of gender can never be justified by anything, not even a childhood trauma.

With the drastic reaction from the LGBTQIA+ community and the online world, the curtain has finally closed for Sam Morales, Bilko Argana and company.

DISCLAIMER: To give Sam Morales the benefit of the doubt, everything in this article is based on statements of Jzan Vern Tero published through Twitter and some research of the writer. Sam Morales remains silent as of writing. All her social media accounts are deactivated.

The Beacon Publications |

11

Clairizza Arcillas

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By Clairizza Arcillas

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Clairizza Arcillas April 04, 2020

Who would have thought that amid the threat of COVID-19, Filipino youths were able to find time to do what they call Online Rambulan? What do they see in Online Rambulan? Do they find themselves cool participating in this thing? It is quite terrifying how apathetic the youth has become especially in this time of crisis.

What is Online Rambulan? When and how did it start? It is a public group in Facebook (previously named as Catholic VS. INC “Debate�) created way back in November 7, 2014. It has 345,515 members that continues to increase day by day. Members can post anything under the sun, from insults to death threats. Although there are rules provided by the Admins, it is not properly observed. Rule breakers are tolerated instead. It is sad to think that the youth prefers to be engaged in this kind of atrocity instead of doing something worthy of time. People might reason out that boredom made them participate in Online Rambulan. However, does it justify these inconsiderate acts in social media?

During this time of pandemic, social media should be harnessed for something useful such as spreading reliable and valuable information to help people, not a place for harassing others and making online trouble like what Online Rambulan does. It reflects how apathetic the youth has become especially in combating pressing issues the world is facing.

There far more things worthwhile doing in quarantine other than joining Online Rambulan.

You can watch movies, TV series, read books, solve puzzles, clean and declutter your room, bond with your family - the list goes on. Instead of focusing on what you cannot do during the pandemic, think of the things you will love doing while in quarantine.

Like . Comment . Share 1 2 | The Beacon Publications

FEATURE

GREED: VIP Treatment for Government Officials and Their Family

By Pineapple Pizza

A

s the world suffers from the devastating cost of the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone has the right to be treated. In this trying time, we must come together as one, and the government, as the head of the state, should lead the path towards recovering from the damages brought by the coronavirus disease. However, in the Philippine nation, it seems that the existence of Very Important People (VIP) has risen. Government officials are being tested and treated first before the common people. According to Vera Files (2020), “The government is aware of the limited number of testing kits for coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the high government officials hurried to have themselves tested even if they did not show any of the symptoms of infection.” Hence, they earned public criticism for bypassing protocols and kept people asking who should undergo testing and who should heal at home. President Rodrigo Duterte, several members of the first family, and his former aide, incumbent Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go submitted themselves to laboratory testing for coronavirus disease on March 12 to “ensure that they are fit and healthy to perform their duties as government workers.” They said they did so as a pre-emptive step, upon the advice of health officials, because of their engagement with cabinet members, some of whom have gone on self-quarantine following their exposure to persons who tested positive with COVID-19.

Two days later, their test results were negative. In response, the Department of Health (DOH) assured the public that there is no policy for VIP treatment and that everyone is being processed on a first-in, first-out basis. It was only courtesy given to the government officials. It is the government officials who should make sure that the citizens’ needs are met especially in this time of crisis.

They should not be entitled to any special treatment as the government is of the people, by the people, and for the people. Everyone should be treated fairly as it should be.

Only when the Philippine government officials earnestly practice such fairness will the nation recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Title: #AngKakapal by A-Fight The Beacon Publications |

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FEATURE

#viVICO:

vivico

Young politician steals the nation’s heart

By Yusrhina Usman and Tasha Eugenio

T

he nation’s young mayor Victor María Regis “Vico” Nubla Sotto is adored by countless netizens because of his dedication and perseverance to provide his service for a better Pasig. This 30-year old young politician is the son of showbiz veterans; Vic Sotto and Coney Reyes. Vico has 5 stepsiblings and is living independently. Before he ventured into the world of politics, he took up Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2011 from Ateneo de Manila University. To further pursue his calling in politics, he got a post-graduate degree in Public Administration at the Ateneo School of Government last 2018.

Before becoming the Pasig City Mayor, Vico once served at Sangguniang Panglungsod (City Council) of Pasig in 2016 as the city councilor. Despite having less experience in politics, he finally ran for the position of mayor in Pasig in 2019 as an independent candidate in his optimism of improving the living conditions of the city with his “Big V Agenda” for the citizens. He clearly stated his visions to make Pasig better, specifically in these five areas: universal healthcare, housing programs, education, public consultation, and anti-corruption drive. Vico successfully won the election and was instated on June 30, 2019, as the mayor of Pasig. On his first State of the City Address, Sotto said that “this

has been the most challenging 100 days of my life.” He is on his way to make changes for the city and make his agendas come to life.

His effectiveness as the mayor of the city has been immediately put into test in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pasigeños’ trust for their beloved mayor did not falter and the man himself did not disappoint his people. Even before the declaration of Luzon lockdown, as soon as the cases inflated, his administration took immediate actions in which 45 public schools in the city were routinely disinfected; he deployed disinfection drones as well as 500 disinfecting kits to lessen the COVID-19 cases and distributed goods for those who are deeply in need. It is not only his constituents who appreciate his efforts to battle out the pandemic, but other city mayors also took credit what Sotto has done and applied it in their own area. An example would be the implementation of mobile palengke in Valenzuela; it is originally a project from Pasig to lessen the trip to public markets and in accordance to social distancing rule. All of his measures against the pandemic were applauded not only by the Pasigeños but also by the Netizens.

Despite the praises that he garnered over the past month and the popularity he gained with the younger generation, the young mayor was not able to escape the criticizing eyes of the administration and their supporters who were vocal in showing their dismay towards him. On April 1, 2020, Sotto was summoned by National Bureau of Investigation in regards his “supposed violation” of the Republic Act 11469, or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act. NBI Deputy Director Ferdinand Lavin even sent him a letter of invitation to their office to explain his side in the issue of his disobedience with the quarantine policy. The said violation was when Sotto allowed tricycles in Pasig City for the transportation of the health workers which is allegedly a violation of Bayanihan Law’s Section 6 (a) for disobeying the national government policies which include the suspension of mass transport. Sotto obliged and was ‘confident [that] nothing will happen’ with him being called by the NBI. The matter was deemed as a ‘useless political move’ and senators have been defending him saying that there was ‘no law violated.’

Vico Sotto, with his charming looks and sense of humor, caught the eyes of the netizens and became an instant trending topic. Tagged as a “millennial mayor”, his numerous innovative measures against the COVID-19 crisis in light of the enhanced community quarantine brought him the support of thousands of Filipinos. Regardless of the criticisms that was thrown at him by his bashers, the young mayor showed “grace under pressure” in handling the issues which were adored by his fans. His drive in protecting the welfare of his constituents is what made people get closer to him and respect him as an authoritative figure— which is probably the reason why a lot of people showed sympathy and support towards the millennial mayor during the backlash that he faced. The future seems bright for the 30-yearold politician and despite having only three years of experience in the field of politics. Vico Sotto clearly showed that being a good politician is not based on age but rather, having the heart of a true public servant whose goal is to put the public good above all.

1 4 | The Beacon Publications Photo courtsy of esquiremagph

FEATURE

My t h B u sters: Vi ral edition B y

Q u i c k s i lv e r

Fact or Myth: The virus freely rides the wind. Thus, wearing face masks makes us immune from it.

01

Busted. Catching the disease through the air is highly improbable. Like other Coronavirus strains, the COVID-19 is not airborne. Although lab tests have proven that the virus can suspend in the air for an extended amount of time, its potency of infection lowers through the passage of time, as there have been no confirmed lab tests that state that suspended COVD-19 particles are potent enough in infecting others. What is true though, is that the virus is carried by microscopic respiratory droplets called aerosol. The virus that is contained in tiny droplets of human aerosol travels at an average of 50mph in a cough, and of 100mph in a sneeze, both of which are capable of shooting 100,000 droplets. Lab tests have also showed that infected droplets can travel to distances of one to two meters before falling to the ground. And though face masks protect the surrounding people from your droplets, the not-so-flush fit of the surgical and common face masks still leaves a chance for infection, thus making social distancing a better tool of prevention than cloth masks.

Fact or Myth: The virus is just a super Saiyan version of the common cold

02

Busted. Named after its pronged appearance, the Coronavirus is a large group of viruses which have varying degrees of lethality and transmissibility. COVID-19 does share resemblances with other coronaviruses, as all these diseases attack the upper respiratory tract. However, the COVID-19 did not evolve from the common colds, as these two viruses differ in structure and protein composition not to mention the degree of its lethality and rate of transmission, these two are nothing alike. The Corona or crown of this family of viruses are the spiny protuberances on their surfaces, the viruses utilize these prongs to infect and attack the host cells. Unlike the other more common viruses that affect a person mildly, the COVID-19 is one lethal crown of thorns. Early investigations believe that the COVID-19 came from a bat which has rapidly evolved into a literal breathtaking, economy-crashing, graduation-wrecking disease.

Fact or Myth: The virus was designed in the lab as a biological weapon

04

Fact or Myth: Getting COVID-19 is an assurance of death

Busted. The latest data show us the number of cases surging close to the 2-million mark. With 1,995,557 total recorded cases, only 6.34% of these cases have died. A study disclosed by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention also disclosed that about 81% of people who infected with COVID-19 have mild symptoms respiratory, symptoms that range from sore throat to lethargy. About 13.8% experience severe sickness, that of which is manifested by the shortness of breath and the need for a continuous supply of oxygen, and about 4.7% are critical, the unlucky ones fall to severe respiratory failure, multiple organ failure, and death. With the global numbers crunched down, the numbers show that people recovering from the disease greatly outnumber those who die.

05

Fact or Myth: If you have coronavirus, signs and symptoms will clearly manifest

Busted. One of the reasons why COVID-19 has spread around the globe so easily is that a person can be exposed to the virus but not show any symptoms for up to 14 days. The majority of those who have fallen ill have reported that they have not experienced any symptoms nor have seen any signs on their first 1-14 days of having contracted the virus. Feeling glee and symptom-free, the unknowing victims continue to mingle with other people, unbeknownst to the fact that they have become carriers of the virus. This is a common story that we hear from communities gravely stricken by the virus. However, after the asymptomatic period that can stretch up to 14 days, the infected begin to feel the symptoms that start from coughing to sore throat.

Early commencement of fever, cough, diarrhea, difficulty in breathing and loss of energy are the combined symptoms often associated with the COVID-19 — but at the initial onset, no symptom may even be observed at all.

03

Busted. Despite the circulating “statements of an escaped Chinese scientist argued that COVID-19 is man-made” making their way to the social media, there are still no irrefutable pieces of evidences that suggest that the virus is lab-grown. These propagandas, however, are believed to pin down the blame on one country, expecting liability and accountability. After extensive genome sequencing, Kristian Andersen, PhD, an associate professor of Scripps Research has said that the COVID-19 “Originated through natural processes,”. Leading researchers also trashed the ‘man-made virus’ idea by stating that no country has the capability to produce a disease of that caliber, yet. And so, amidst the intriguing origination stories which range from a bateating nation, to a furry-aroused Chinese man, one thing is for sure, and that is that the COVID-19 is not a man-made disease.

The Beacon Publications |

15

08

Fact or Myth: Gargling salt water and/or throat disinfectants can help prevent the onset of the coronavirus

06

Busted: Gargling lukewarm salt water may help with a sore throat, but not with the coronavirus. This false remedy against the virus first made its appearance in the social media. Netizens quickly believed that the convenient gargling prevention did work. After hearing the false claim from an Arab ‘’scientist”, the post went viral and quickly made its way to one of the most believed false method against COVID-19. The viral post claimed that gargling water mixed with salt prevents the virus to do any harm by process of disinfecting the throat. But that’s not the case.

Gargling with salt water is a well-known way to soothe an achy throat, but this COVID-19 is clearly out of salt’s league. Although this remedy is effective against common colds and sore throat, as of now, there’s no evidence that gargling contributes to anything to the prevention of the COVID-19.

Fact or Myth: The “breath test” — Holding your breath for at least 10 seconds can determine the presence of the COVID-19

07

Busted: the length of time someone can hold their breaths is never an indicator of an underlying COVID-19 infection. This claim came from a so-called Japanese scientist who said that the unobstructed and virus-free respiratory system will easily enable a healthy person to his/her breath for a minimum of 10 seconds. From then on, several “experts” also emerged out of the blue, supporting the effectivity of the 10-second breath hold, they allege it to be “a simple self-check that we can do every morning,”. The steps which the post enumerated to do are, “Take a deep breath and hold your breath for more than 10 seconds. If you complete it successfully without coughing, without discomfort, stiffness or tightness, etc., it proves there is no Fibrosis in the lungs, basically indicates no infection. In critical time, please selfcheck every morning in an environment with clean air.” The poorly written post is false. World Health Organization (WHO) released a statement that this method is non-scientific and ineffective. People with underlying respiratory problems may have difficulties in prolonging their breaths, the same thing goes for the elderly. While COVID-19-stricken asymptomatic individuals may have zero difficulties holding theirs. What WHO recommends is that in case of doubt, see a doctor and get tested.

1 6 | The Beacon Publications

Fact or Myth: Heat can easily destroy the coronavirus

Plausible: like any other viruses, heat can kill the COVID-19 – that is if it is subjected to extreme heat. Shannon Sovndal, MD, EMS medical directress of Boulder, Colorado. Affirmed that heat can kill the virus. But the everyday tolerable heat that we go through may seem to be inadequate. “Heat in your everyday normal life won’t kill coronavirus”.

She added. Unlike the common flu which tends to die out in a dry and hot environment, the COVID-19 thrives very well in hotter environments including Australia and the Philippines. The ‘heat argument’ gave people a false sense of optimism, arguing that in the coming summer months, the subtle increase of temperature will be enough to rid the world of the virus. The danger in this false hope is that gullible people will break loose of their houses and have themselves contract the virus. While it is true that hospitals and medical facilities make use of heat as a way of disinfecting and sterilizing the apparatus. To achieve this, a heat of 320 °F must be applied. The daily things of hot showers, morning coffee, and sun exposure may just be pointless to rid the virus.

09

Fact or Myth: A dose of Vitamin C a day will keep the virus away

Plausible. Vitamin C is extremely unlikely to help people fight off the new coronavirus. Any evidence that clearly presents vitamin C as a potent agent against COVID-19 is still absent. For years, we are told to take vitamin C to protect ourselves from the less lethal common cold, but the fact is, vitamin C has never shown any correlation in warding off the common cold. Although it can shorten the duration of the symptoms, its preventive capabilities are yet to be found. Truly, vitamin C may have its ways against the other viruses, the assurance that it will have the same effect on COVID-19 is still highly improbable. The same holds true to other so-called “virus-proof” supplements such as ginseng extracts, honey, and vitamin D, either.

10

Fact or Myth: Pets can be infected and be carriers of the virus

Confirmed: New evidence may suggest that animals can contract the coronavirus. A four-year-old tiger at the Bronx Zoo tested positive for COVID-19. A Hong Kong 17-year old Pomeranian also tested positive for the virus. The transmission to the pets prompted researchers to make further laboratory tests and investigate the probability of spread from canid to hominid. One thing to keep in mind though is that as of this moment, there is still no evidence that suggest that physical interactions to animals can spread the infection to people.