So, the moment one goes to the hospital, not knowing one is already a carrier, the front liners are exposed. With an enemy unknown, the Department of Health (DoH) was blindsided, just like all national health agencies in other countries. The Health department registered its opposition because of the standards on infection control. And in between those key dates, pressure was exerted from suppliers of PPEs and the rapid testing kits to their respective political muscles. For rapid testing kits, the pressure was to make it the acceptable device for testing because some heavy lifter cornered the supply in the market.

Source: Manila Times April 27, 2020 16:41 UTC