In an interview with hip-hop artist Kenjhons Serrano (Mr Mainit) and dancer Evo Manila last night, dancer DJ Loonyo shared his thoughts on mass testing for the COVID-19.
When asked by Serrano what he thought about mass testing, Loonyo said, “I just don’t know. It’s like, gagana ba itong bagay na ito sa ganitong ano? ‘Di ba? I don’t know ano gagamitin nila sa mass testing, kung ano ipapainom nila, kung ano ipapagawa nila…. It’s a trial and error, kaya it’s mass testing.”
[“I just don’t know. It’s like, will this work? Right? I don’t know what they will use in mass testing, what they will make us drink or do. It’s a trial and error, that’s why it’s mass testing.”]
He added, “Kaya kawawa ‘yung mag-i-intake at ‘yung mag-a-undergo non, because it’s not 100% proven.” [“I feel sorry for those who have to take and undergo it because it’s not 100% proven.”]
“It shouldn’t be mandatory. It should be encouraged. Depende na sa ‘yo kung gusto mo i-test yung sarili mo o gusto mo ipaniwalaan ‘yung ano nila. ‘Di ba, for me, why would you test me? I’m a human being. I will react kung ano ipapainom mo sa akin. Paano kung mag-rereact ng malala ‘yung katawan ko? So I’m dead. ‘Di ako naniniwala sa mass testing.”
[“It shouldn’t be mandatory. It should be encouraged. It depends on you if you want to test yourself or if you want to believe them. For me, why would you test me? I’m a human being. I will react to what they will make me drink. What if my body reacts negatively to it? So I’m dead. I don’t believe in mass testing.”]
However, testing is done by inserting cotton swabs inside the cavity between the mouth and the nose. The goal is to collect cells to be sent to certified coronavirus testing facilities. There is nothing to ingest.
After the video made the rounds on the internet, DJ Loonyo released a statement on his social media channels. He said, “First off, I apologize for the wrong use of terminology in that particular instance. My point is not particularly about the “COVID Mass Testing”; I was actually referring to “CLINICAL TRIALS”. I understand that the use of terminology is critical, so I apologize for any confusion caused.”
He also clarified that the conversation was about “business over integrity.” He shared, “mahirap magtiwala sa mga nangyayari sa ating paligid nang basta-basta, para lang sumunod.” [“It’s hard to just trust what’s happening around us, just so that we follow.”]
The dancer went on to say, “Sa mga nagsabi po na mag-aral kami o mag-research, rest assured we have been doing that, kaya nga nandun kami sa punto na bukas ang isipan namin and we want to also be vigilant and see different sides of the picture para makabuo kami ng informed decision. Yes, we are definitely not experts, and we mentioned a lot of disclaimers during the live video, but we were exercising our right to ask questions, and share thoughts with those who agree or disagree.
[“For those telling us to study or research, rest assured we have been doing that, that’s why we’re at that point where our minds are open and we want to also be vigilant and see different sides of the picture so we can form an informed decision. Yes, we are definitely not experts, and we mentioned a lot of disclaimers during the live video, but we were exercising our right to ask questions, and share thoughts with those who agree or disagree.”]
“I know that I have been blessed with a platform kung saan may kaunting level din of influence. We do not mean to spread misinformation, but rather encourage you to form an open-mindedness para hindi po kayo mag-panic, para alam niyo bakit kayo dapat mag-mask, bakit dapat stay at home, at hindi para sumunod lang nang di naiintindihan ang reasons why or why not.”
[“I know that I have been blessed with a platform where I have a little level of influence. We do not mean to spread misinformation, but rather encourage you to form an open-mindedness so that we don’t panic, so that we know why we have to wear a mask, why we have to stay at home, and so that we don’t just follow without understanding the reasons why or why not.”]
What do you think? Share your thoughts below!
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