Wise and timely

"This is the only way to protect 110 million Filipinos."

I have written that the best thing President Rodrigo Duterte could do to mitigate the spread of the dreaded novel coronavirus was for him to ban the entry, and immediately, of all Chinese from the mainland.

Santa Banana, Duterte did it, not only for those from the mainland, but also Chinese from Hong Kong and Macau!

For this, I am not only praising Duterte for realizing that the infection could come not only from Hubei province, but from all over China. My gulay, the World Health Organization has declared a global emergency!

Duterte’s decision is not unreasonable. It is wise and timely. As President, first and foremost, he must think about the health and safety of 110 million Filipinos who are all at risk. All the more so now that one person has died of the virus here.

At the risk of being accused of discriminating against the Chinese and promoting Sinophobia, I cannot think of any other way to protect 100 million Filipinos from the dreaded virus.

I have learned from my little knowledge of infectious diseases that some people may not exhibit symptoms but could be carriers. I saw that in a Hollywood movie called Contagion.

This explains the need for a ban. Even if the Chinese do not show symptoms, they could already be carriers. Health Secretary Duque knows this, so he often gives the basic reminded of always washing our hands.

If Russia, an ally of China, and the much poorer Mongolia can close their borders with China, then why in the world would we still accept Chinese from other parts of the mainland? More than diplomacy, the health and safety of 110 million Filipinos are important.

What really surprised me was the President’s earlier decision to allow a Xiamen Airline plane to land in Davao City. The Bureau of Quarantine immediately cleared the 79 passengers. My gulay, if Duterte knew what was good for us, he should not have allowed the landing in the first place.

The bureau also allowed a cruise ship from China carrying 1,400 passengers to dock at the Port of Manila. Why?

The President should impose heavy penalties on any agency of government that risks the well-being of Filipinos!

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My book was launched last Thursday, Jan. 30. It was held at the Manila Golf and Country Club. My boss here at the Manila Standard, Majority leader Rep. Martin Romualdez, was there to show support for me. Actually my family and I were worried that people might not show up for fear of the virus. But our prayers were heard, and many of our friends came.

I thank Martin as I do my publisher Rollie Estabillo and the Manila Standard staff particularly opinion editor Adelle Chua, who made the launching a big success.

Thanks also to columnist Mike Toledo who is also vice president of Philex Mining and Manny Pangilinan’s Metro Pacific for being the emcee. He was great.

My thanks, too, to Fr. Rocky Evangelista.

Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo made it to the event, as did former Vice President Jejomar Binay and his daughter Senator Nancy Binay. Senator Francis Tolentino was also present.

Former President Fidel Ramos, who could not make it that evening, sent his assistant Jose Magno. JoMag was with him during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Ramos’ former National Security Adviser Jose Almonte was also there.

I am also thankful that Bobby Ongpin sent Alphaland Dennis Valdes in his place. Ongpin was my former student and I have followed his stellar career. I also thank Tony Lopez and Eric Canoy for coming.

I was also pleased with the presence of lawyer Felipe Gozon of GMA 7, and my idol, National Artist for Literature Frankie Sionil Jose and his wife.

Also present was the richest woman in the Philippines, according to Forbes Magazine—Banco de Oro chairperson Tessie Sy Coson. She said she could not miss the occasion because she knew how close I was to her father. She stayed on until the end of the event!

Val Villanueva was also there.

I was made happy by the presence of Edgard Cabangon, now chairman of the ALC Group of Companies after his father, Antonio Cabangon Chua, who was one of my best friends.

George Yang of McDonald’s was also there.

My former students were led by Reli German, Susing Pineda and Elpi Cuna.

Thanks, too, to Pangasinan Rep. Baby Arenas and daughter Rachel.

My friends from the 365 Club, my nieces and nephews, my wife’s friends—thank you all.

Last but not least I thank my daughter Nina and son Nickey who both worked hard to make this event a reality.

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ERRATUM

In my Jan. 28 column. I mentioned that Smartmatic had been banned in some countries. After further digging, I realized I had made a mistake—I have never seen any record that supports it was ever banned in any country.

In fact, Smartmatic fired Venezuela as a client because the country released election results that were not the same as the results from its machines.

I apologize for the confusion. Mea culpa.