On April 9, 2021, I presented a talk analyzing the Philippines' pandemic response as part of a webinar organized by the Philippine Public Policy Network, entitled "Moving to the Next Normal: Behavioral Insights for Public Health Policy". Joining me in the session moderated by Dr. Jalton Taguibao were Prof. Marie Fe Mendoza who gave opening remarks, Joanne Yoong who offered behavioral insights, as well as Senator Risa Hontiveros who related the pandemic with universal health care.
My presentation focused on the following 'pathologies' of the country's COVID response, namely (1) the 'responsibilization of the individual'; (2) "covidization” of health care; (3) “one size fits all” solutions; and (4) (mis)use of science and expertise. Taken together, these elements characterize what I call 'medical authoritarianism' in the country.
