Binay hits ‘ningas cogon’ attitude of gov’t officials in observing health protocols

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Nancy Binay on Monday slammed the supposed “ningas cogon” attitude of some government officials in following health protocols against COVID-19 as the country face another surge in coronavirus cases.

In a statement, Binay expressed alarm over the non-observance of minimum health protocols by public officials, saying this lack of sustained perseverance is emboldening ordinary citizens to also ignore safety standards.

“’Wag sanang ningas-cogon—’yung sa umpisa lang tayo masigasig, tapos dedma na. (Please don’t have the ‘ningas-cogon’ attitude—that attitude of being enthusiastic at first then ignoring protocols later on),” she said.

“No matter how long we impose curfews, or even considering enacting ordinances as an institutional response to abate the surge of COVID cases, lahat ‘yan ‘di magiging (all of that will not be) effective if we continue to display a relaxed atmosphere in the midst of a worsening public health crisis,” she added.

Binay stressed that the public cannot be expected to follow if government officials themselves will not adhere to these health protocols.

“’Di ba, how can we expect people to consciously follow health protocols when even our national and local government officials do not conscientiously follow minimum health protocols?” she said.

“Kahit anong curfew o liquor ban ang gawin, if we see people in government freely travelling to beaches and resorts, and organizing public gatherings as if everything is back to normal, talagang magre-relax din ang mga tao,” the senator added.

(Whatever curfew or liquor ban we impose, people would really relax if we see officials in the government freely travelling to beaches and resorts, and organizing public gatherings as if everything is back to normal.)

Binay pointed out that despite the implementation of community quarantine for a year, there seems to be no progress in the country’s COVID-19 situation.

“What’s ironic is that after a year since the lockdown, naririto pa rin tayo… hindi umuusad. Parang walang nagbago— same problems, same issues, same recommendations (hard lockdown, curfew, liquor ban, etc).” she said.

(What’s ironic is that after a year since the lockdown, we are still here… showing no progress. It seems nothing has changed—same problems, issues, and recommendations.)

She pointed out that there should be consistency in messaging from government leaders and even influencers.

“There should be consistency in messaging mula sa ating mga leaders at maging sa mga influencers—di dapat tumitigil sa pagpapaalala at pagpapaliwanag sa mga repercussion ng di pagsunod sa minimum health protocols,” said Binay.

(There should be consistency in messaging from leaders and influencers—they should not stop explaining the repercussions of not following minimum health protocols.)

“We have to embrace the new normal and accept the fact that our way of life has already changed,” she added.

Binay issued the statement after the provincial government of Oriental Mindoro revealed on Friday that Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Debold Sinas did not pass through the pier of the province in Calapan City, where health clearances are being made. Sinas arrived instead by helicopter before proceeding to the PNP regional headquarters.

However, Calapan City Mayor Arnan Panaligan said on Monday that Sinas’ supposed violation of COVID-19 health protocols upon visiting Calapan City has yet to be established. The mayor said only online registration and confirmation from the LGU are required for those who want to travel in the city—requirements that he said Sinas has met before his visit.

OCTA Research fellow Guido David earlier warned that COVID-19 cases may rise to 8,000 daily by the end of March. — Liezelle Soriano Roy, Trainee