"His physical condition is our business."
"His physical condition is our business."
There were rumors that President Duterte, for a weekend, flew to Singapore to get treatment. He finally disclosed that his doctor had advised him to stop drinking alcohol because his Barrett's disease is nearing stage one cancer.
The United States National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases defines Barrett’s Esophagus as a condition wherein the tissue lining the esophagus is replaced with or has turned into tissue similar to the lining of the intestine.
At 75, he’s no spring chicken. It’s the point in a person’s life when he or she develops all sorts of illnesses.
As President, Duterte is overwhelmed with work and stress. This can worsen any disease. This is why as our leader, he should tell us about his condition. His health is a matter of national security!
I suggest an early treatment for Duterte. We cannot afford to let his sickness get worse.
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In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Duterte’s critics should set aside politics for a while, and have the nation unite for one purpose which is to overcome this crisis.
Take for instance, the response of the Duterte government to the pandemic. We all know that with the limited funds that the country has, the Bayanihan Law cannot be the answer for every problem facing the nation.
This is why I’m calling on the opposition to set aside criticism of what Duterte is doing. I, myself have resorted to something more constructive – I suggested he adopt a jobs policy for those who lost their jobs at this time. Being jobless can be very tough.
I know this too well when I quit the Bobby S. Benedicto radio and television network in the early eighties. I did this after I found out that Benedicto’s network was no longer his alone. I said to myself, enough is enough, and I quit.
I was jobless for a few years, although I was a law partner of the Dizon Paculdo Jurado Jurado (that’s me) and Vitug law offices, a partnership was dissolved when my brother, Desi, was named to the Court of Appeal and when Jose Vitug, was appointed to the Supreme Court.
Being jobless and unable to provide for my growing family caused me a lot of distress, so much so that I once fainted.
With so many people out of work today I can understand the anxiety and worry of so many Filipinos out of work. Some even commit suicide.
That’s the reason why Vice President Leni Robredo, who has developed the expertise of being relevant in pursuit of presidential ambition, has been saying that Duterte’s response to the pandemic is inadequate.
But however the President acts, he cannot answer every problem and every need of people. But he’s trying his best with the limited funds of the government.
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The reported 440 private schools nationwide that will not open give us another cause for concern. The Department of Education has been notified that these schools do not have enough registered students. These private schools depend on enrollment for their existence.
Data released by the DepEd show that in Region 3, 88 private schools closed. This is followed by Region IV-A, with 67 closed, and Metro Manila with 54. Region VI is next at 48.
Another problem is in connection with the opening of public schools in October 5. Many of the students still do not have the necessary equipment needed for distance learning.
While there seems to be no problem in Metro Manila, public schools in far-off provinces cannot be subsidized entirely by the government. Even teachers’ groups are complaining.
It has been suggested that the DepEd should take advantage of the vacated radio and television frequencies of the ABS-CBN. The President and DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones should explore this idea.
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There are now 30 petitions filled before the Supreme Court seeking to stop the implementation of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. As far as I’m concerned, these petitions cannot all be wrong. The petitions for temporary restraining order must be granted by the Supreme Court.
Even a military general wants social media regulated. That would entail a prior restraint on the freedom to express.