With the country facing a new wave of coronavirus cases these days, sparing no one even government officials, it warms Partido Reporma chairman and standard-bearer Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson’s heart that all Filipinos including politicians are showing solidarity to fight the pandemic.
In an interview with dzRH radio Sunday, Lacson took the opportunity to publicly thank his friends, colleagues and supporters for sending him ‘get well soon’ messages and expressions of concern that lifted his spirits following his recent COVID-19 diagnosis.
“You know, it really warms my heart, especially when you have no one to talk to because you’re isolated in a room to receive those kinds of personal [‘get well soon’ messages] that sometimes were sent directly to me,” he said.
Lacson revealed that among those who sent their well wishes to him were fellow presidential aspirant Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko’ Moreno Domagoso, Senator Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go, and Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.
He said Moreno even offered him ‘molnupiravir,’ the antiviral pill believed to be effective against COVID-19, which the senator politely declined because he would rather let him distribute it to his constituents or other citizens, who are probably going to need it more.
“One of the people who wished me well and for my recovery, even offered medicine like molnupiravir, was Mayor Isko. He told me, ‘This is Isko Moreno, I hope you get well soon, and if you need medicine I have here molnupiravir.’”
“My reply to him [Moreno] was, ‘I already have [the medicine] because a lot of people also sent me. Please give it to those who are experiencing severe symptoms. So, thank you very much.’
Insofar as his conversation with Romulo-Puyat is concerned, Lacson said they also briefly talked about the ‘Poblacion Girl’ incident and they both agreed that patronage culture or the ‘palakasan’ system must never be allowed at all times whether we are in the middle of the pandemic or not.
“When you say patronage culture, it’s not only driven by personal friends or connections, but sometimes encouraged because some form of bribery is taking place. So, not just during the pandemic, but we must really put an end to the culture of patronage.”
Lacson tested positive for COVID-19 on January 6 after his exposure to his eldest son and chief of staff, who was the first to be infected in his family. He said his wife, their house helper, and his driver also contracted the virus but they only experienced mild symptoms and are now recovering.
The Partido Reporma standard-bearer welcomed all the messages of support that came his way as soon as he received his COVID-19 test results. He said their positive vibes really cheered him up and ease whatever anxiety he and his family members were feeling the moment they got infected.
While observing his quarantine, Lacson said he would often hear the sirens of ambulances passing by their neighborhood and he would pray quietly that whoever was inside it would receive the medical attention he or she needed.
Lacson is running for president in the upcoming 2022 national elections with the campaign slogans “Aayusin ang Gobyerno” (Fixing the Government) and “Uubusin ang Magnanakaw” (Get Rid of the Thieves) in an effort to institute good governance for the benefit of all
Filipinos.