Holy Angel University

School of Business and Accountancy

Module 3 Lesson 8: The Pandemic Response Through the Lens of the

Constitution

Submitted to: 

Mr. Edcel John Canlas

Submitted by:

Cayanan, Samantha Kyle P.

Dungca, Jerico P.

Gundran, Aira Louise D.

Nicdao, Monalet Diane M.

Pabalan, Julia Estrelinda G

A-111
 Are we doing an "excellent job" in battling the virus?

The COVID-19 response of the government officials in the Philippines is a recurring

issue ever since the pandemic started and has not even entered our country. Back in March
2021, as the Filipinos were already hoping for the widespread of the virus to end, news came
that new cases spiked up to 8,000 COVID patients in just a day. According to a news article
from Inquirer.net, it was stated by Presidential Spokesperson, Harry Roque that the Palace is
already doing a great job in handling the COVID-19 response. In Article II Section 5 of the
Declaration of Principles and State Policies, it states that the maintenance of peace and order,
the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the promotion of the general good are all
necessary for all people to enjoy the benefits of democracy. In other words, the government
should be able to make an efficient and well-versed COVID-19 response as the people are
being deprived of their rights to promote their welfare. The statistics from Roque’s statement
which mentioned the 8,000 new cases in a day very well describes the government’s poor
decision making and response to the virus as well as the ongoing quarantine and even the
mandatory wearing of face shields up until today.

        Moreover, Article II Section 27 of Declaration of Principles and State Policies provides that
the State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public service and take positive and
effective measures against graft and corruption. In this sense, the country’s foundational law
dictates the government must continue to maintain its incorruptibility image to the public, and all
public officials must have integrity and good moral character. But even at these trying times, we
saw how corruption became rampant and a serious problem right now here in our country. In
fact, last year, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation was one of the controversial subjects
after corruption allegations surfaced in the midst of the pandemic. In August 2021, Commission
on Audit (COA) suspected the health department that there was mismanagement and
overpricing of supplies. According to Baclig (2021), COA has flagged deficiencies in the use by
the DOH of P63.72 billion in funds which were supposed to be used to help fight the COVID-19
pandemic. With that being said, these remarks only show that our government is incompetent
and insensitive. Our government is the one who is responsible to combat graft and corruption.
But based on what we are experiencing in our current situation, we can see that the government
failed to fight corruption, which is a significant hindrance in providing good governance towards
our country, especially to all Filipino people.

In addition to that, many people witnessed how the government mishandled this
health crisis. In fact, testing problems still arise, contact tracing worsens and becomes non-
existent in some places, lack of hospitals, health care facilities, health workers, equipment,
and medicines, there are still a number of people who have not been vaccinated, and many
more. According to Article XI, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution refers to the Accountability of
Public officers. It states that public office is a public trust therefore public officers or employees
must have accountability at all times towards the people. They shall serve them with utmost
responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest
lives. This only means that our government has a big responsibility not only in battling this
pandemic but also in making our country and the welfare of the Filipinos better. They must use
their power in implementing concrete plans and not just band-solutions in order for us to attain
freedom against our unseen enemy. We must also do our part and be a responsible citizen to
help fight this virus. 
 Article 13 Section 11 states that the State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive
approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and
other social services available to all the people at affordable cost. There shall be priority for the
needs of the underprivileged sick, elderly, disabled, women, and children. The State shall
endeavor to provide free medical care to paupers. Upon the emergence of the first cases of the
virus in the country, providing an allocated budget for free and accessible COVID testing kits
should have been prioritized and not have been treated like a privilege to those who cannot
afford to take the test for these measures would have controlled the escalation of cases.
“AYUDAs” that were for the people should have been given to the people and not into the
pockets of public officials of the government for they are supposed to be in service to the
people. Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) that were purchased outside the country should
have been manufactured here to provide employment to those who have lost their jobs due to
the pandemic and have the taxes paid by the people benefit them. As a part of the state, we
also have responsibilities to attain and that is following the minimum health and safety protocols
and quarantine and even accountability and mindfulness of the places one goes to in order to
fully track those who may be susceptible to catching the infection. Discipline and only going out
when absolutely necessary. 

Are we doing an "excellent job" in battling the virus?

According to Mohan and Nambiar (2020), The CoVid-19 virus started in Wuhan, China in
December 2019 as an outbreak. The virus was first identified as SARS-CoV-2 which originated
from people eating bats and it is transferred by means of human actions such as coughing,
sneezing, or communicating which leads to respiration, saliva and respiratory droplets to be
released which leads to spreading of the virus to happen between the infected and non-infected
people. It was only until March 11,2020 that the World Health Organization (WHO) announced
that the COVID-19 is now a pandemic because it has affected/reached several places around
the world which bears the common symptoms such as fever, dry cough, breathing problems,
etc. (Chappell, 2020)

Meanwhile in the Philippines, it was January 2020 when the first two cases of COVID-19
entered our country wherein their medical and physical examination proved normal, not until
their initial swab test showed presence of the virus inside of them. Then on February 1, one of
the patients died due to cardiac arrest. His death became the first confirmed COVID-19 death
outside of China. These cases began the start of spreading of the COVID-19 virus in our
country which still affects everyone in so many ways up until the present that leads to the
COVID-19 response of the government to be inefficient/weak. (Edrada et al., 2020)

The COVID-19 response of the government officials in the Philippines is a recurring

issue ever since the pandemic started and has not even entered our country. In our country, the
pandemic is truly far from over as we can see that the actions of the government are truly slow
and inefficient. However, according to the report of Aguilar (2021), Harry Roque stated that the
government is doing an excellent job in preventing the spread of the virus and he blamed the
recent increase of cases on the new type of virus variants that are already inside the country.
Even so, the same report stated that there were 8,000 new cases recorded by the OCTA
Research Team.

While in the report of Peralta (2021), Leni Robredo and other government officials are
giving their concern and suggestions to the government in order to fight the virus as DOH
records 7,103 cases showing that the government is not doing well. This is also elaborate with
the report of Talabong (2021), wherein reported three factors that caused the spreading of the
virus to happen. First, mass testing was not done wherein testing centers were infected with the
virus and the change of system in testing was not as efficient as before. Second, contracting
tracing lowered wherein it was ratio to 1:3 from 1:7 which led to fewer isolation. Lastly, hospitals
are crowded and underprepared wherein the DOH reported that there is a bedroom shortage
and that 47 of its 154 hospitals have already reached their limits in Metro Manila.

With these, the group believes that the government is not doing a proper job in
combating the virus. And that, some of their actions violate the 1987 Constitution, particularly,
the ARTICLE II Section 5 and 27, ARTICLE XI Section 1, and ARTICLE XIII Section 1 and 11
which, we shall further elaborate more with sources that support our claim in the following
paragraphs.

To begin, corruption and improper use of funds are prominent during this pandemic
especially in government and organizations. According to the report of Buan (2021), the
Commission of Audit (COA) said that around ₱67.3 billion of pandemic funds were misused/
were not used at all. For example, the ₱11 billion which should serve as the hazard pay for
frontliners and ₱3 billion which should serve as payment in buying for the medical equipment
was not used. In addition, the price of the sanitary napkins that the DOH bought was overpriced.

Meanwhile, according to Jalea and Peralta (2020), they reported the ₱15 Billion stolen
funds in the PhilHealth as stated by former anti-fraud legal officer Thorrsson Montes Keith which
called out PhilHealth President and CEO Ricardo Morales. In addition, the corruption that
happened was believed to have a connection with the mafia. Furthermore, the article also
pointed out that the PhilHealth lost ₱10 billion due to fraud. The ₱15 Billion stolen funds were
also elaborated in the report of Magsambol (2020), wherein the crime of the PhilHealth can be
considered as one of the greatest because of the syndicated disbursement of cash advance. In
addition, the article pointed out the overpricing of COVID-19 testing kits which Senate Minority
Leader Franklin Drilon questioned because they cost around P8,150 and were lowered to
P3,409 after the hearing in May. However, the issue concerning the ₱15 Billion stolen funds is
still unclear and thus, the truth is yet to be revealed to the public.

While on the other hand, as reported by Lalu (2021), senators also questioned the
overpricing of goods of Pharmally Corp. For example, goggles that are priced normally around
₱149-159 were sold to the government for ₱212.50. In addition, Pharmally Corp. was able to
gather at least ₱8 billion worth of contracts as “unwarranted benefits” and the senate planned to
find the connection of Michael Yang, the former economic adviser of the President, to this issue.
(Tamayo, 2021)

Looking at the effects on the people, according to the research paper of Tee et al.
(2020), shows the pandemic created a huge problem towards the mental health of all wherein
28.8% of their respondents suffered from anxiety and other mental illnesses. Similarly, NCR
students have experienced stress at 19%, depression at 22% etc. which was caused by the
COVID-19 Pandemic. (Visco, 2021)

Another is that the Philippine Statistics Authority publicly said that 4.25 million workers
who are aged 15 and above are losing their jobs due to the Pandemic and quarantine
restrictions which leads the unemployment rate to be at 8.9 as of September (Mauel, 2021). In
terms of inflation, the Philippine Statistics Authority revealed that the inflation rate is 4.8% which
lowered by 0.1% from the previous month. However, it is still high, and it affects the Filipinos as
some of them have no job and money to buy their needs. (Rivas, 2021)
 With these, it reveals to us two things: First, the country’s economy lowered especially in
2020 at -9.6% while in 2021, it is now 5.5% due our current circumstances (Mendoza, 2021).
Second, according to the report of Vera et al. (2021), the ₱12 billion funds for the “ayudas” of
the people are not sufficient and also, it is also pointed out by the lawmakers. That is why, the
₱349 million Dolomite Project could have helped in providing the needs of all during this trying
time as stated by Senator Joel Villanueva (Ramos, 2020).

With all that had been said, it is no wonder that the Philippines scored 30.5 and ranked
121 out of the 121 countries in terms of the COVID-19 Recovery Index conducted by Nikkei
Asia (Sarao, 2021). As long as there is no proper governance in the government, corruption,
improper use of funds, miscommunication, and etc. And these actions are against/violate our
1987 Constitution because the effects of their actions lead to a nation that suffers which affects
us in so many ways such as safety and protection, mental health, economic standing, and etc.
that is included in our general welfare and rights. If this would've been handled accordingly and
with respect to the idea and original purpose of which in governance the one holding seats in
branches of the government chosen by the people are in service for the people. But alas, it is
truly hard to change the ways of the government by selecting the rightful candidates, calling
them out for their mistakes, and etc. But doing those things are very time consuming/near
impossible to do. That is why, we must also do our part and be a responsible citizen to help fight
this virus.

Are we doing an "excellent job" in battling the virus?

According to Mohan and Nambiar (2020), The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) virus
started in Wuhan, China in December 2019 as an outbreak. The virus was first identified as
severe acute respiratory syndrome – coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which originated from people
eating bats and it is transferred by means of human actions such as coughing, sneezing or
communicating which leads to respiration, saliva and respiratory droplets to be released
resulting to the spread of the virus to happen between the infected and non-infected people. It
was only until March 11,2020 that the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the
COVID-19 is now a pandemic because it has affected/reached several places around the world
which bears the common symptoms such as fever, dry cough, breathing problems, etc.
(Chappell, 2020)

Meanwhile in the Philippines, it was January 2020 when the first two cases of COVID-19
entered our country wherein their medical and physical examination proved normal, not until
their initial swab test showed presence of the virus within them. Later on, February 1, one of the
patients died due to cardiac arrest. His death became the first confirmed COVID-19 death
outside of China. These cases initiated the spread of the COVID-19 virus throughout the country
which continuously affects everyone in various ways up until the present that leads to the
COVID-19 response of the government to be inefficient/weak. (Edrada et al., 2020)

The COVID-19 response of the government officials in the Philippines is a recurring

issue ever since the pandemic started and has not even entered our country. In our country, the
pandemic is truly far from over as we can see that the actions of the government are truly slow
and inefficient. However, according to the report of Aguilar (2021), Harry Roque stated that the
government is doing an excellent job in preventing the spread of the virus and he blamed the
recent increase of cases on the new type of virus variants that are already inside the country.
Even so, the same report stated that there were 8,000 new cases recorded by the OCTA
Research Team.

While in the report of Peralta (2021), Leni Robredo and other government officials are
giving their concern and suggestions to the government in order to fight the virus as DOH
records 7,103 cases showing that the government is not doing well. This is also elaborate with
the report of Talabong (2021), wherein reported three factors that caused the spreading of the
virus to happen. First, mass testing was not done wherein testing centers were infected with the
virus and the change of system in testing was not as efficient as before. Second, contracting
tracing lowered wherein it was ratio to 1:3 from 1:7 which led to fewer isolation. Lastly, hospitals
are crowded and underprepared wherein the DOH reported that there is a bedroom shortage
and that 47 of its 154 hospitals have already reached their limits in Metro Manila.

With these, the group believes that the government is not doing a proper job in
combating the virus. And that, some of their actions violate the 1987 Constitution, particularly,
the ARTICLE II Section 5 and 27, ARTICLE XI Section 1, and ARTICLE XIII Section 1 and 11
which, we shall further elaborate more with sources that support our claim in the following
paragraphs.

To begin, corruption and improper use of funds are prominent during this pandemic
especially in government and organizations. According to the report of Buan (2021), the
Commission of Audit (COA) said that around ₱67.3 billion of pandemic funds were misused/
were not used at all. For example, the ₱11 billion which should serve as the hazard pay for
frontliners and ₱3 billion which should serve as payment in buying for the medical equipment
was not used. In addition, the price of the sanitary napkins that the DOH bought was overpriced.

Meanwhile, according to Jalea and Peralta (2020), they reported the ₱15 Billion stolen
funds in the PhilHealth as stated by former anti-fraud legal officer Thorrsson Montes Keith which
called out PhilHealth President and CEO Ricardo Morales. Moreover, the corruption that
happened was believed to have a connection with the mafia. Furthermore, the article also
pointed out that the PhilHealth lost ₱10 billion due to fraud. The ₱15 Billion stolen funds were
also elaborated in the report of Magsambol (2020), wherein the crime of the PhilHealth can be
considered as one of the greatest that eventuated due to the syndicated disbursement of cash
advance. Furthermore, the article pointed out the overpricing of COVID-19 testing kits which
Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon questioned which amounted to around P8,150 and were
decreased to P3,409 after the hearing in May. However, the issue concerning the ₱15 Billion
stolen funds is still unclear and thus, the truth is yet to be revealed to the public.

On the other hand, as reported by Lalu (2021), senators also questioned the overpricing
of goods of Pharmally Corp. For example, goggles that are priced normally around ₱149-159
were sold to the government for ₱212.50. Additionally, Pharmally Corp. was able to gather at
least ₱8 billion worth of contracts as “unwarranted benefits” and the senate planned to find the
connection of Michael Yang, the former economic adviser of the President, to this issue.
(Tamayo, 2021)

Looking at the effects on the people, according to the research paper of Tee et al.
(2020), shows the pandemic created a huge problem towards the mental health of all wherein
28.8% of their respondents suffered from anxiety and other mental illnesses. Similarly, NCR
students have experienced stress at 19%, depression at 22% and etc. which was caused by the
COVID-19 Pandemic. (Visco, 2021)
 Another is that the Philippine Statistics Authority publicly said that 4.25 million workers
who are aged 15 and above are losing their jobs due to the Pandemic and quarantine
restrictions which leads the unemployment rate to be at 8.9 as of September (Mauel, 2021). In
terms of inflation, the Philippine Statistics Authority revealed that the inflation rate is 4.8% which
lowered by 0.1% from the previous month. However, it is still high and it affects the Filipinos as
some of them have no job and money to buy their needs. (Rivas, 2021)

With these, it reveals to us two things: First, the country’s economy lowered especially in
2020 at -9.6% while in 2021, it is now 5.5% due our current circumstances (Mendoza, 2021).
Second, according to the report of Vera et al. (2021), the ₱12 billion funds for the “ayudas” of
the people are not sufficient and also, it is also pointed out by the lawmakers. That is why, the
₱349 million Dolomite Project could have helped in providing the needs of all during this trying
time as stated by Senator Joel Villanueva (Ramos, 2020).

With all that had been said, it is no wonder that the Philippines scored 30.5 and ranked
121st out of the 121 countries in terms of the COVID-19 Recovery Index conducted by Nikkei
Asia (Sarao, 2021). As long as there is no proper governance in the government, corruption,
improper use of funds, miscommunication, and etc. will continuously violate our 1987
Constitution for the effects of their actions lead to a nation that suffers affecting its citizens in
multiple ways such as safety and protection, mental health, economic standing, and etc. that is
included in our general welfare and rights. If the government and their actions towards problems
and issues, such as the COVID-19 Pandemic, would've been handled accordingly and with
respect to the idea and original purpose of which in governance, the one holding seats in
branches of the government chosen by the people are in service for the people. But alas, the
difficulty of making change in governance, forever a challenge but as the people and, in
democracy, truly in power, protecting our right to suffrage and the selection of fit-for-the-job
candidates and holding them accountable for every action and decision that they make. These
may be time-consuming and near impossible to do. For this reason, we must also do our part
and be a responsible citizen to help fight this virus.

REFERENCES:

Mohan, B.S., & Nambiar, V. (2020). COVID-19: An Insight into SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
Originated at Wuhan City in Hubei Province of China. Journal Of Infectious Diseases And
Epidemiology, 6(4), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.23937/2474-3658/1510146

Chappell, B. (2020, March). The Coronavirus Crisis Coronavirus: Covid-19 is now officially a
pandemic, WHO says. NPR.
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/03/11/814474930/coronavirus-covid-19-is-
now-officially-a-pandemic-who-says

Edrada, E.M., Lopez, E.B., Villarama, J.B., Villarama, E.P., Dagoc, B.F., Smith, C., Sayo, A.R.,
Verona, J.A., Arches, J.T., Lazaro, J., Balinas, E.G., Telan, E.F., Roy, L., Galon, M., Florida,
C.H., Ukawa, T., Villaneuva, A.M., Saito, N., Nepomuceno, J.R.,…Solante, R.M. (2020). First
COVID-19 Infections in the Philippines: A Case Report. Tropical Medicine and Health, 48(21), 1-
7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-020-00203-0

Aguilar, K. (2021, March). Palace maintains gov’t was doing ‘excellent job’ until recently when
new cases spiked. Inquirer.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1407196/palace-maintains-govt-
was-doing-excellent-job-until-recently-when-new-cases-spiked
Peralta, J. (2021, March). Robredo on COVID-19 all-time high: We should acknowledge the
problem. CNN Philippines. https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/3/19/Robredo-COVID-19-
cases-all-time-high.html

Talabong, R. (2021, March). ‘We are failing’: House highlights Duterte admin’s mishandling of
pandemic. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/nation/highlights-house-hearing-duterte-
government-mishandling-pandemic

Official Gazette. (1987, February). The Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. GOVPH.
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/constitutions/1987-constitution/

Buan, L. (2021, April). Often-ignored COA fuels pandemic outrage vs Duterte gov't. Rappler.
https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/often-ignored-commission-audit-fuels-pandemic-
outrage-against-duterte-government

Jalea, G., & Peralta, J. (2020, August). Whistleblower claims ₱15 billion stolen by PhilHealth
execs in fraud schemes. CNN Philippines. https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/8/4/PhilHealth-
P15-billion-stolen-mafia-execs.html

Magsambol, B. (2020, August). PhilHealth execs misspent, stole P15 billion, says

resigned anti-fraud official. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/nation/ex-official-says-billions-

stolen-by-philhealth-fraud-schemes

Lalu, G.P. (2021, October). Pharmally overpriced sales to gov’t – Drilon. Inquirer.net. 
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1503881/senators-ask-pharmally-why-are-products-sold-to-govt-
more-expensive-than-retail

Tamayo, B.E. (2021, October). Pharmally got 'unwarranted benefits' in P8-B medical supply
contract with govt – Gordon. The Manila Times.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/10/19/news/pharmally-got-unwarranted-benefits-in-p8-
bmedical-supply-contract-with-govt-gordon/1818950

Tee, M.L., Tee, C.A., Anlacan, J.P., Aligam, K.J., Reyes, P.W., Kuruchittman, V., & Ho, R.C.
(2020). Psychological impact of COVID-19 Pandemic in the Philippines. Journal of Affective
Disorders, 277, 379-391. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.08.043

Visco, R. (2021, October). COVID-19 related Mental Health Issues growing among the Youth.
BusinessMirror. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/10/13/covid-19-related-mental-health-
issues-growing-among-the-youth/

Manuel, P. (2021, November). 4.25M jobless Filipinos in September, highest in over a year.
CNN Philippines. https://cnnphilippines.com/business/2021/11/4/PSA-September-Labor-Force-
Survey.html?fbclid=IwAR2zBN3OcjTlqzpwplpfAls_rPYQmTPCTicjneL6nDv_T-ydXtR09nvH42k

Rivas, R. (2021, October). Inflation slightly eases to 4.8% in September 2021 but stays high.
Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/business/inflation-rate-philippines-september-2021

Mendoza, R.U. (2021, August). The Philippine economy under the pandemic: From Asian tiger
to sick man again?. Brookings. https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-
chaos/2021/08/02/the-philippine-economy-under-the-pandemic-from-asian-tiger-to-sick-man-
again/

Vera, B.O., Pazzibugan, D.Z., & Aurelio, J.M. (2021, August). P12 billion for ‘ayuda’ not enough,
legislators want more. Inquirer.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1469286/p12-b-ayuda-not-
enough-legislators-want-more

Ramos, C.M. (2020, September). Funds for Manila Bay’s white sand project could have aided
COVID-hit sectors – Villanueva. Inquirer.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1331297/fwd-mere-
aesthetics-senator-says-funds-for-white-sand-project-in-manila-bay-could-have-aided-
pandemic-hit-sectors

Sarao, Z.G. (2021, October). PH ranks last out of 121 countries in global COVID-19 recovery
index – Nikkei. Inquirer.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1498167/ph-ranks-last-out-of-121-
countries-in-global-covid-19-recovery-index-nikkei
 PEER EVALUATION FORM

Name of Submission: Module 3 Lesson 8: The Pandemic Subject and Section:

Response Through the Lens of the Constitution 4READPHILHIS A-111

EVALUATOR
Leader: Member 1: Member Member 3: Member 4: Member AVE.
2: 5:
EVALUATEE Cayanan Dungca, Gundran, Nicdao, Pabalan,
, Jerico P. Aira Monalet Julia
Samanth Louise D. Diane M. Estrelinda
a Kyle P. G.
Leader: x 10 10 10 10
Member 1: 10 x 10 10 10
Member 2: 10 10 x 10 10
Member 3: 10 10 10 x 10
Member 4: 10 10 10 10 x
Member 5: x

Notes: Each member of the group was able to accomplish their tasks accordingly and on the
set deadline of the Group.