Vax Card, Master of Freedom

BY JEAN AQUINO

A single piece of card dominating over numerous rights in a country? Oh dear, you better believe what you’re seeing, because believe it or not, we are living in a divided world now; the world between the vaccinated and unvaccinated. Those who have that single piece of card can be considered as the privileged ones.

This pandemic is a burden to society. But looking at the people in front of me now, making their way out of the public bus that they will be riding, I have encountered a more dreadful disease; the never-ending anti-poor policies by the government. From the outside of the bus, a big tarpaulin was placed on the wall saying that vaccinated people are the only ones allowed to ride the bus. Two elderly citizens were begging an officer to let them take the bus because they needed to get home as soon as possible. The officer refused and shooed them like dogs. I looked down and held my own hand. I was trembling in fear as I looked at my feet, praying silently that I will not suffer the same way the two elderly did. In no time, the officer was already in front of me. Slowly handing the card that I’m holding, I did not bother lifting my eyes, my feet still shaking from fear. I was only relieved when the officer gave back the card to me, saying that I can now ride the bus.

Months ago, I was confident going out for work. The only thing I was worried about was getting sick; afraid that my sister will have no one to take care of her. I always knew everyone’s health was at stake because of this disease. But I am more than afraid of one thing, that we won’t have something to eat because there are too many restrictions. Policies that are of the same thing, impulsive without consideration to others. Seems like the card that the officer asks from me holds so much power that even one’s right to ride public transportation should be questionable. I almost forgot that months ago, they said that this card will not be mandatory.

Grabbing my things, I immediately went off the bus. Time to work again. “Sana marami ang bumili ngayon”, I murmur while looking at the crucifix that I am holding. I took the CDs out of my bag and got myself working. I have to sell more today.

In the middle of my work, I noticed the jeepney drivers constantly checking every new passenger’s vaccination card

before they are allowed to ride the jeepney. One driver caught my attention as he was counting the money he was holding. “Neng may barya ka ba? Kaunti pa lamang ang kita ko’t malapit na maggabi. Mahirap ang pasahero ngayon. Hindi lahat pwedeng sumakay.” He said while wiping the tear that escaped his eyes. Giving him the coins, I smiled warily and told him the words I also needed to tell myself this morning, “Matatapos din po ito.”

As I was about to take the bus going home, I was still nervous to be declined. Maybe because it was my lucky day, no one notices what I am afraid of. I was able to get home. Once I was inside our house, I immediately took off the wig that I borrowed from my friend. A hair that looks just like my sister’s. My sister turned to me and asked, “Wala po bang nakahalata na hindi sa’yo ang card?”

“Wala,” I said as I handed her her card. If only I’m not ill, maybe I can also get the vaccine.

As I took a seat, it just came to my senses that I had to lie about the card for me to actually ride a bus. I had to lie for my rights. Must not be known to that officer, or else I’ll be treated like a criminal for only trying to survive. That single piece of card dictating what rights I am only entitled to.