EDITORIAL : Safety or Money?

In the past weeks the hot topic in the country is the release of monetary assistance from the
government. The DOLE is responsible for those who were included in the “No Work , No Pay” job
contracts, while DSWD for the Social Amelioration Program for the poor families.

Emphasis on such assistance will do more harm than good

We noticed that such news caused people to defy the quarantine and social distancing being
implemented by the government.

People go out of the streets waiting for reliefs

Crowds gather; waiting and even demanding the 5, 000 to 8,000 money they wanted more than their
own safety.

Unless we have the discipline to really be serious in observing the enhanced community quarantine and
social distancing it will really require a longer time ,to restore things back to normal.

If people keep on hearing and seeing that in some places, people gather and violated social distancing,
they will be moved to do the same.

While it is true that “Empty Stomach Knows No Law”, it is also a reality that people also tend to
behaved as the majority do. People are inclined subconsciously to act according to what they always see
and hear other people do.

Money or safety is the choice everyone must decide.

Majority will choose money. It glitters like gold. But if in running after it they defy the government
orders and became contaminated even their families infected, then the money may pay for medications
but cannot guarantee their survival

“Safety first” on the other hand, may cause you to be hungry ( but just a possibility because hunger can
be solved not just by having money at hand ) but it assures you and protects you and your family form
being infected outside.

Stay at home is a very simple command. Let not money open the gates of destruction.

We believe we can all make it. Safety before anything else is needed. We just trust and obey.