CHAPTER 3 Lesson 4

LESSON 4: SELECTIVE EXPOSURE AND POLITICAL POLARIZATION
ASSESSMENT
Where Do You Stand? Create a reaction paper in no less than 500 words explaining how selective
exposure and political polarization was reflected during the Covid-19 crisis in the Philippines. Write this
is a one whole sheet of paper.
The Covid-19 crisis in the Philippines reflected a massive selective exposure and political
polarization. The two highest positions of the government, which is the President and Vice President of
the country have unconsciously established two opposing groups that is favored for each one of its
governance, DDS and the DILAWAN respectively. Ever since this pandemic started, these two opposing
groups had been clashing online, venting out its opinions and expressing their dissatisfaction with each
other's action towards addressing Covid-19. In these challenging times, where Covid-19 was the main
problem of our country, the President has made inefficient and ineffective actions that lead to major
problems which the public greatly condemns. As of September, the Philippine government is expected
to have a debt of P 13.7 trillion in Duterte's last year administration. This debt of the country has
received a massive questioning of the public as to where the money is being used when until now there
are still problems caused by Covid-19 that is not being addressed. For example, there are people who
are unemployed because of the pandemic which leaves them the choice to put their hope in the
government that they would provide cash assistance in order to fill their stomach just to survive every
passing day but still, until now these unfortunate people haven't received any because of the corruption
of the officials who were suppose to distribute the money to these people. Another problem would be
the PhilHealth — which has been helping finance COVID-19 testing and treatment in the country, has
been rocked by allegations of fund mismanagement and overpricing. This allegation has also gained
different responses and critics from the public. The public pointed out that the Philippine health
insurance corporation should have done better as we are facing a huge problem in the country where
people's financial capability got affected to the point that they can't even provide for their health
expenses because of what the pandemic has brought us. They should have showed at least an empathy
to properly do their work better and provide proper service without deceiving the people. This has also
become a huge noise as there are several senior officials of the corporation included. These included
Ricardo Morales, who recently resigned as CEO, and the country’s Secretary of Health Francisco Duque
III, who sits as ex-officio chairman of the board. But despite receiving huge and massive critics from the
public, the Philippine government has shifted people's attention by doing things that wouldn't help our
situation in these trying times. They might have expected that the public would forget the anomalies
they've made if they will take action and lay down plans that would catch the attention of the people.
For example, the artificial sand at Manila Bay, which gains different critics from the public. DDS or
Digong Duterte Supporters showed their appreciation towards the administration since it was able to
make a project possible despite the pandemic. However, it has also received a massive critic from the
DILAWAN and the netizens. They've said that the funds could have been used in addressing Covid-19
which is our main problem today and the artificial sand in Manila Bay is a failure as it is only a temporary
tourist spot because the artificial sand would be drifted by the waves anyway. The huge number of
people who have visited the Manila Bay had also become a trend topic as the violation of protocols
which is social distancing has not been recognized by the PH government as they perceived the project a
successful one because people choose to visit the place despite the risk. For a while, the Manila Bay
issue had become an instrument that covered the malfunction of PH government in adhering Covid-19.
On the other hand, the Vice President's governance had received a compliment and admiration
of the public since she have shown that her personal interests is not her priority in this unfortunate
situation we are dealing with for almost 7 months now. She greatly contributed in providing relief goods
for the unfortunate people, conducted a fund raising for free swab tests and provided PPEs in many
medical hospitals. She had also suggested that they should set aside their personal interests and help
each other in fighting Covid-19 by accepting and laying down each other's plans to defeat the virus or at
least alleviate the negative effects of the situation. However, this suggestion made by her in her
Facebook page gained critics from DDS. They've said that she haven't contributed anything in helping
lessen the negative effects of the situation and she has the audacity to make a statement like that. For
the past months and years, DDS has also spread false rumors and make fake statements which they
make it look like it was uttered by VP Leni Robredo. Until now, it is still happening. They are still twisting
her statements and make people believe that it was claimed by her and make her look like a fool.
People neglect other information that contradicts their beliefs and point of views just so they
could prove to themselves that they are right. In this pandemic, polarization takes place as people's
different opinions, critics, and perspectives about the Philippine government's action in addressing the
crisis has divided people into contrasting groups.

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LESSON 4: SELECTIVE EXPOSURE AND POLITICAL POLARIZATION

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