Commentary

to or even beyond usual levels as soon as the problem is over. But in this case, decision makers are already choosing profit and economy over people even as much of the world is still struggling to solve the pandemic problem.

Here in our country, quarantine rules in many areas are being eased since June 1, even as Covid-19 cases still rise. Not only does this mean a greater chance of spread, it also translates to a return to unhealthy systems of the past. Already, crowded cities (like those in the National Capital Region, the hotspot of coronavirus cases in the country) are experiencing traffic jams. The clear blue skies we saw for the first time during the quarantine have once again been blackened by smoke. Polluting substances from vehicles and industries are rejoining those spewed by coal and fossil fuel power plants which did not stop running during the quarantine.

It seems that we are on our way not to a "new normal" as we have been asking for, but to a "back to normal." We cannot allow this to happen. Let us remember the suffering that our poor and vulnerable sectors had to go through when our normal way of life met a crisis like this. Let us remember the clear skies and clean air that we found out for the first time were actually possible. Let us remember, too, that the climate crisis is still getting worse day by day, and the time we have left to act on it is ticking away as quickly as ever.

Most importantly, let us not forget to listen intently to the cry of the Earth and of the poor, and let us then give voice to what we hear by demanding new policies, programs, and systems that would bring about a society that is more sustainable and better for all.---BISHOP GERARDO ALMINAZA