HOSPITAL VISIT. President Rodrigo R. Duterte checks on a sleeping pediatric cancer patient during his visit to the Southern Philippines Medical Center's Cancer Institute Children's Unit in Davao City on Dec. 23, 2018. Duterte on Thursday (Feb. 6, 2020) dared newly-appointed government officials to visit hospitals and see the sorry-state of patients there. (Presidential photo by Toto Lozano)
MANILA -- President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday challenged the newly-appointed government officials to visit some public hospitals and see the sorry-state of patients there.
“Hamon ko lang ito sa inyo, hamon ko lang (This is just a challenge to you). Try to visit ‘yung mga ospital lalo na kung may contagion. Nasa sahig ‘yan sila lahat (especially hospitals where there is a contagion. The patients lie on the floor),” Duterte said in a speech in Malacañan Palace.
“‘Yung ibang pasyente maghintay (Other patients who are waiting), they are lying there in the throes of death on the floor. Tingnan ninyong mabuti (Look at them properly),” he added.
Duterte is known for visiting cancer-stricken children in hospitals during the Christmas holidays.
In December last year, Duterte signed into law a bill seeking to establish Malasakit Centers in all hospitals run by the Department of Health (DOH) nationwide.
Malasakit Centers serve as one-stop for easy access to medical and financial assistance needed to receive health care services.
On Wednesday, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Duterte has expressed willingness to visit Filipino repatriates from the epicenter of the 2019-nCoVoutbreak in China who will undergo mandatory 14-day quarantine.
Nograles said despite the President’s willingness to visit the Filipino repatriates, the final decision would be made by the Presidential Security Group (PSG) and the Presidential Management Staff (PMS).
“He wants to keep doing things he’s doing with imposing limitations to his movement,” Nograles said in a media interview.
Vigilance vs. corruption
Meanwhile, Duterte also urged them to observe "vigilant against corruption", warning them of being removed from office if they lose his trust.
“Be vigilant against corruption and other unethical motives and interests that diminish public [trust],” Duterte said.
Duterte warned them that he has fired several Cabinet members linked to corrupt activities despite majority of them being his supporters since he ran for mayor in Davao City in the 1980s.
He pointed out that although he appointed them out of “debt of gratitude”, he would not think twice about dismissing crooked officials.
Admitting that he knew that they had “more gainful things to do rather than stick with government”, he stressed that there was “fulfillment” in public service.
”Well, to me, by experience, is the fulfillment that --- lalo na kung (especially) local officials. ‘Pag may nagawa kami na (If we’ve done something to) save a life, stop a war,” Duterte said.
Duterte reminded them of their obligation to serve the country with “integrity, impartiality, and independence”.
“As government workers, we are duty bound to uphold the Constitution, aid in the administration of justice, serve selflessly and promote transparency and good governance,” Duterte said.
“I am confident that all of you will advance this administration’s development agenda in your respective offices,” he added.
He expressed optimism that they would lead by example and inspire fellow civil servants to be “strong willed, dedicated, able, fearless and honest” in dealing with people. (PNA)
