Offense taken

The Philippine Medical Association (PMA) has finally responded to the perception of the Arroyo camp that there are no specialists in the Philippines who are able to provide the skill and know-how as to the current needs of the past president. Elena Bautista-Horn has even challenged Dr. Enrique Ona of the Department of Health to name the specialists who can perform and interpret a certain bone biopsy that the former president apparently needs. Dr. Ona, after visiting and examining Arroyo himself, has said that she is fine, not in danger and would not be in danger if the requested procedure be delayed for now. The Arroyo camp is seeking to leave the country and seek medical opinions and treatment elsewhere. Horn's challenge has elicited grumblings within the Philippine medical community as to their competence and capabilities as specialists. To say that they were insulted is a given.

Dr. Rey Olarte of the PMA has stated that there are more than enough specialists in the country who can treat the former president's ailments. In fact, he even goes on to recommend a much simpler procedure, a non-invasive one, compared to the procedure which Horn is mentioning. I don't know, but a non-invasive procedure over an invasive one sounds much better to me. The word invasive is just, well, invasive! Who wants to be invaded?

But the PMA also recognizes the right of Arroyo to seek another opinion with regards to her health and well-being. I also believe in that right. But the whole issue here should no longer be whether it can be done here or not, but whether she will come back or not. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is facing electoral fraud charges. These charges are serious. If ever she flies the coup, just like Ramona Revilla, then it will be harder for the government to get her back, considering the wealth and connections that she has made throughout the tears. The fact that she also lists several other countries in this medical trip has the government worried. And her repeated letters and promises of returning just isn't being taken seriously. A fact that she herself has to blame for. Trust is something earned, and earned the hard way.

So I would suggest that they stop using the medical angle to be given permission to leave the country. If Elena Bautista-Horn still has something to say on the matter, then I guess she should present her medical credentials to the DOJ. The experts have spoken. Enough said.