‘Pacquiao, despite his defeat, would undoubtedly retain his formidable popularity and political standing.’
FEARFUL over the rampant deaths stalking their ranks and wearied by government corruption and apathy, health professionals are just about ready to give up. We are sure that most of them hate the thought of turning their backs on COVID patients struggling to see another day. Health Sec. Francisco Duque III should be the first to offer relief and respond to their valid financial grievances.
The COVID surge should be met with a more earnest surge from Malacanang to make things right for overworked doctors, nurses and other health workers. Instead, questionable transactions have preceded Duque and his leadership at the DOH and as chairman of PhilHealth.
Most senators have since demanded for Duque’s resignation, with Sen. Grace Poe renewing her call for him to quit over fresh COA disclosures on misuse of funds and a ton of expired medicines. Duque could do President Duterte a real favor by stepping down.
How many more Senate investigations will it take before Duque and the President are overwhelmed by the soaring pressure from the legislature, the civil society, the Church and the secular and social media?
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Sen. Koko Pimentel should appeal for a truce between the Alfonso Cusi-led group and the camp of PDP-Laban President Manny Pacquiao. Pacquiao, despite his defeat, would undoubtedly retain his formidable popularity and political standing. Being a has-been will not demean his lofty chances as a presidential contender next year.
After leaving the movies, Ronald Reagan was never abandoned by his adoring millions as he went from California governor to President of the United States. Pacquiao’s remarkable international image has assumed a presidential color that is clearly superior to the bright sports careers of Freddie Webb and Robert Jaworski, whose local sports successes took them to the Senate.
Pimentel is, of course, aware that bickering in the party will painfully taint the fine and inspiring tradition of PDP-Laban founded by his father, the late Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel.
