Let it be said that the chief policy maker is still President Rodrigo Duterte, but the timing of the quarantine protocols seems to be, indeed, triggered by the noise continuously being created by the social media citizenry. Increasingly, social media platforms have become venues for active civic engagement and discussion among Filipinos and eventually lead to formulation of public policy. This is not the first time that social media has been active on this magnitude. Consequently, social media enthusiasts from both sides have weaponized the platforms in a bid to either discredit efforts or taint the reputation and credibility of each other. Indeed, social media has become a catalyst for action among Filipinos — serving as venues for civic participation and discussion.

Source: Manila Times May 07, 2020 18:39 UTC