It doesn’t even compare
ICYMI, Congress is currently debating whether it’s necessary to declare a ‘national emergency’, which will lead to Presidente Duterte being granted additional powers to deal with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
But the issue of the powers soon took a backseat after House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and Co. brought out signs on manila paper which read ‘Together with doctors and frontliners, we went to work for you, so please stay home for us’.
The line first grew in popularity after medical workers, most of whom have been on the frontlines since the beginning, held similar signs urging the pvblic to follow the quarantine rules and stay indoors.
‘WE STAYED AT WORK FOR YOU, PLEASE STAY AT HOME FOR US’An emergency doctor from San Juan De Dios Hospital in Pasay…
Posted by Philippine Star on Wednesday, March 18, 2020
As expected, a bunch of privileged politicians comparing themselves to people sacrificing their lives on the daily didn’t exactly resonate well with the pvblic. ‘Ang Kakapal’ soon became Twitter’s top keyword alongside #NoToEmergencyPowers and #DuterteResign.
As many pointed out, politicians and frontliners aren’t exactly on the same wavelength, especially considering this is the same House that was responsible for the 10 billion health budget cut that led to the shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs).
There’s also the lingering issue of officials receiving VIP treatments in spite of the shortage of COVID-19 test kits in the country. Plus, in the worst case that everything goes to hell, politicians have the comforts of power and influence to fall back on – a luxury that many frontliners do not possess.
In short, credit and sympathy for politicians were in short supply on social media.
Wow ha! Almost 2 weeks na ako dito sa hospital with the fear that I might be bringing home a virus. Ni walang mask and PPE na binigay. This and unnecessary tests by these politicians and their staffs and their staff’s relatives. Ang kakapal ng mukha niyo. pic.twitter.com/G1OIZ7Bmi6
— RamJohnB (ARMYxA’TIN) (@ramjohnb31) March 23, 2020
ANG KAKAPAL TALAGA!! You went to work on your own private cars,
your family and your asymptomatic ass got tested and prioritized over those in need, don't compare yourselves to those putting their lives on the line to save us! We definitely didn't stay at home for you!!! pic.twitter.com/asLuWNEU1J— Adorkable 🏹 (@QuinnSlaylor) March 23, 2020
#AngKAKAPAL You went to work just TODAY, AWAY from covid threats!! You are nowhere near the sacrifices and heroism of healthcare frontliners!! ANG KAKAPAL NG MGA PAGMUMUKHA NYO! https://t.co/gVzInHGsJ2
— Marie (@marie_kcc) March 23, 2020
"DOCTOR S AND FRONTLINERS WENT TO WORK FOR YOU, SO PLEASE STAY HOME FOR THEM"
paraphrase ko lng! Ganyan dapat!
ULIT, ANG KAKAPAL 😂 pic.twitter.com/lpySiRheO6— GIOvanni (@imzimeyong) March 23, 2020
Our frontliners don't have millions.
Again, ANG KAKAPAL. pic.twitter.com/wEEsBZDTjN
— The Professional Heckler (@hecklerforever8) March 23, 2020
Banner credit: Marx Fidel