IN Wednesday's editorial, we questioned the priorities of Congress for the last few days of the legislative session as described by Senate Minority Leader Frank Drilon, whose list of measures he considers important do not include the ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Even if the Senate were to have a change of heart, however, and swiftly correct this oversight, it has already committed another inexcusable failure that cannot be fixed before next year. And this one has a direct impact on the Philippines' ability to protect itself from the current and potential future pandemics.