Don’t get mad at Phivolcs (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology); they’ve been talking about unusual activity in Taal since March 2019, and there is only so much that can be done to predict Mother Nature.

The dramatic eruption last Jan. 12 was proof of that ultimate unpredictability.

Do get mad at the worst kind of mercenary in times of crisis: Filipinos who have been hoarding the alleged best kind of face mask, the N95, just to make sure they have enough, or worse, to resell at a profit.

One Facebook user was aghast that the young woman in line in front of her at Mercury Drug bought 10 boxes—1,200 pieces—for a family of four, only because “nag-pa-panic Mommy ko.”

Another reported how one Mercury Drug branch sold P65,000 worth of face masks to one woman; let’s hope she’s sharing those masks.

It’s this sheer lack of concern for society in general that is adding to the divide between the haves and have-nots. Still, save your greatest ire for the entrepreneurial souls now posting on Facebook about masks for sale, at easily double the price.

Well, here’s instant comeuppance for you: The Department of Health is giving away P1.5 million worth of N95 face masks in the Calabarzon area.

Shaming these lowlives even more are the countless individuals who set up tables and gave away face masks at the height of the ashfall.

Now, there’s true Filipino patriotism for you.

Also very Filipino, as well, were the instant memes that came out on face mask options made from underwear. That involves a different kind of toxic air altogether, but what do you do?—ALYA B. HONASAN INQ