When he first took office, the President emphasized the value of patriotism. Even going as far as saying that he will revive the defunct ROTC as a requirement for graduation in college. And perhaps even the equivalent of that so called military training course before graduating from high school. While the intention was good—to imbue the youth with patriotism— nobody who went through those military courses would go along with the idea. For these were useless as far as achieving their purpose was concerned.
The most recent event where patriotism would have been displayed, if only formally, by no less than the President would have been the celebration of Independence Day last Monday. Alas, the President was nowhere to be seen. We were sure he would have loved to be there to deliver the message on what patriotism is all about. So what was the reason for his “non-attendance?”
From the pronouncements of members of his official family, it can only be concluded that it was for health reasons. DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said, the President was just resting and there was nothing to worry about. The President missed the Independence Day program at the Luneta and there was nothing to worry about?
The message that came across from that statement and from similar ones from other high ranking national officials is the opposite—that the President might be suffering from some serious health concerns. As of this writing (June 15), the President has yet to appear in public.
Otherwise, the Liberal Party stalwarts including the vice-president might already be preparing for some kind of celebration and “take-over” moves of sorts. This makes many people shudder. The thought of the widespread and all-pervading corruption during the last administration would make the majority of the people pray for “killer” PDu30’s good health.
Not that we support the killing of poor drug addicts as being splattered on TV every evening and morning news, but at the very least, the functionaries of government are moving. More bureaucrats are now afraid of being caught, although corruption is still everywhere.
By the way, whatever happened to the list of big time drug addicts like public officials as revealed by PDu30 himself?**