Setting an example, avoiding a catastrophe
In this time of global health crisis brought on by a coronavirus run amok, and for which he himself declared a national health emergency, even the notoriously impudent President Rodrigo Duterte must learn to be prudent and respect the advice of security and health officials that for the time being any physical contact and bodily interaction must be avoided in all his public engagements and activities.
While Duterte has already said he will reject the "no touch" policy about to be clamped down soon on both his person and the people who may gather in his presence, the president must be reminded that it is always for the greater good that sound advice is heeded. Wisecracks and smart-alecky statements about wanting even more than just a handshake are best left to the good humor of normal times.
But this time is an abnormal time. Now, more than ever, the president must rise to the occasion and be the leader people expected him to be. Jokes good or bad will always find their stage in better times. These are not such times. These are bad times and Duterte must step up to the plate and lead by good example.
No country, can afford to have its leader disregard common sense precautions at a time of global health emergencies. Since the coronavirus can be spread by physical contact, then Duterte must set the example by avoiding such contacts, if possible. When a scared and concerned nation looks for guidance, it looks to its leaders for example.
How imperiled will this country of more than 110 million become if its president sets the bad example of continuing to go about his official functions in the usual way --shaking hands, hugging, back-slapping, kissing people on the cheek, as he is often wont to do. President Duterte must act prudently and responsibly and not treat this crisis frivolously that the rest of the nation might not do the same.
There is another and perhaps even more compelling reason why Duterte must shield himself from infections and avoid getting sick. Duterte is old. He will turn 75 this month. He belongs to an age that is more susceptible to the lethal effects of the coronavirus. Many of the deaths from the disease so far come from the very young and the very old.
If Duterte catches the virus due to his own foolhardiness and he dies, God forbid, then the Philippines is in for another disaster on top of the coronavirus. If Duterte dies, that means the vice president will have to take over. And what a time for someone like Leni Robredo to take over. I do not think the Philippines is ready for such a catastrophe.
A Philippines beset by terrible problems cannot be entrusted all of a sudden to someone like Leni Robredo. The country's serious challenges are not matters of simple internship or for on-the-job training. The best answer to all the prayers we can bombard the heavens with is for Duterte not to keel over, at least not while such a tragedy leaves the door open for Leni to traipse in and smile cluelessly as if by being cute is all there is to a presidency.
- Latest
