called the drug war. While it may be argued that an authoritarian response and the sacrifice of civil liberties are necessary in controlling COVID-19, it has not been the case for the Philippines.

of political rivals and continue the drug war. Policies implemented during the lockdown reveal a consistent bias for business interests and against workers’ rights. The pandemic exposed the regime’s ineptitude & this contrasts with its image of toughness in dealing with the manufactured crisis

Further, the authoritarian response to COVID-19 exacerbated impunity and disregard for human rights in the country. The law and order paradigm of an authoritarian government is utterly unsuitable in managing a public health crisis. The regime exploited the pandemic to escalate its repression ...

For example, instead of street sweeping, Tupad must be integrated with the Green Jobs Human Resources Development program that was recently unveiled

Ensure a just transition and alternative jobs in building public transport facilities and leading the shift to renewable energy through solarization and windmills.