Unheard grievances, rising cases: Rappler spotlights government rank and file

CHEERS TO Rappler for looking at administration officials’ inability to protect their own ranks against COVID-19, which has obviously contributed to the surge in cases in the capital where most national government agency headquarters are located.

Rappler’s Pia Ranada spoke to rank and file employees of the central offices of the Departments of Agriculture and Social Work and Development and state television PTV-4, who said their superiors have been breaching health protocols by not wearing masks, holding birthday parties that are well-documented on social media, and conducting physical trainings that could have been held online. Requesting that their names be withheld for fear of reprisal, the employees told Rappler they feel betrayed by their bosses, and that it was unfair for the government to blame the public for the surge in COVID cases when it cannot even follow its own rules.

Rappler noted that in Quezon City, government cases account for nearly a 10th of the increase in the city’s record from January 3 to March 18. A critical agency in the pandemic response, DSWD tops the city’s list of government offices with COVID-19 cases. All over NCR, government offices are ordering temporary closures, greatly affecting the delivery of services.

Two agency chiefs and one undersecretary that Rappler contacted for comment did not respond. William Dar, DA, secretary maintained that strict protocols are being observed. But his agency’s spokersperson defended the removal of masks during presentations, as Dar himself was photographed without a mask in one meeting.

The report also sought explanations from the Civil Service Commission, which is mandated to oversee the working conditions of government workers. The CSC has issued several workplace guidelines and memoranda, but has not proactively monitored compliance with health and safety protocols.

Tired and exhausted with the raging pandemic, the real workhorses of this administration tend to be neglected, and become victims of the systemic leadership failures within the bureaucracy. Hopefully, Rappler’s article encourages more government employees to come forward and speak of their discontent. But on the basis of this one report, government should submit to a review and be held accountable for its negligence.