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The slight uptick in daily Covid-19 cases last week is a reminder that the pandemic is still much around despite the small victories we achieved on the economic and health fronts. President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself has acknowledged after winning the May 9 elections that the pandemic remains a problem that his administration must deal with.

Today, June 15, is the birthday of my friend, the late Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. She would have been 77 years old and I imagine still as feisty and loving as I remember her. In my mind, Miriam occupies a place in the pantheon of great men and women this nation has ever produced and certainly one of the few politicians I admire and respect.

Accelerating inflation is a major concern for many nations, including the Philippines. But it should not sidetrack our policymakers from pursuing a high-growth economy given the momentum achieved by the Philippines in previous quarters.