"Let’ do this the Christian way."
Some friends and relatives called me in connection with my advocacy for the government to build homes for the aged and neglected sectors of society. They commended me for bringing up the subject of aging parents abandoned by their children, either intentionally or because of unforeseen circumstances.
There were those who agreed with me that instead of criminalizing the act of abandonment of parents by their children, local government units should just build homes for the poor. They also agreed with me that in the case of parents who are well-off, President Duterte could team up with taipans and conglomerates to build homes for the elderly. This would be part of these companies’ Corporate Social Responsibility program.
I proposed these in my column earlier as I wrote about Senate Bill 2061 filed by Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid, criminalizing children for neglect and abandonment of parents, and the House bill filed by Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Alfredo Vargas of Quezon City that criminalizes the abuse of the aged and the disabled.
No doubt, the intention of both Senator Lapid and Rep. Vargas are good. But my proposal is to go the Christian way – for government to build homes for the old and disabled, and to partner with the private sector to build homes for those who can afford it.
My wife and I have visited some of our friends in homes for the aged in the United States. We found them happy. Their children visit them often. Of course, the aged and disabled in the US have the advantage of pension plans and hospitalization.
Hence, my proposal.
Duterte himself at 75 years is aging, but his children could well afford to take care of him if he gets disabled. But I know only too well about parents abandoned by their children. Still, shall they sue the children? This goes against the Christian way. I cannot imagine parents suing their children for neglect.
If there’s anybody who can advise the President along this line, it is Senator Bong Go whose heart bleeds for the poor.
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The continuing surge of new COVID-19 pandemic cases, according to health experts, could well reach as many as 6,000 daily by the end of this month. I don’t know about you, dear reader, but I am concerned.
It’s actually more the fault of people who disregard health protocols like wearing masks, washing their hands and maintaining a safe physical distance from others. Some people take advantage of the easing of protocols – they go to the beach or frequent malls and restaurants.
That’s why I am glad the President has ordered the police to enforce stricter protocols for the good of the many. People have to be disciplined for the common good.
Santa Banana, some hospitals already have a shortage of beds because of the upsurge of daily COVID-19 cases. Soon enough, health workers will be overwhelmed.
What is worrisome are reports of family clustering which exposes children to the COVID-19 infections. Let’s hope that localized lockdowns can prevent a further surge.
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A survey conducted by the OCTA Research Group found inconsistent compliance with different health protocols.
While most of the survey respondents said they wear masks and sanitize their hands regularly, a significant number just does not follow other health measures. People should just stay home if it’s not absolutely necessary to go out.
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President Duterte is partly to blame for Vice President Leni Robredo’s criticizing him on everything he says and does.
It seems that whenever Robredo criticizes the President, she makes a big capital of it since it makes the news. She takes advantage of the situation since her attacks are also reported by the newspapers or over radio and television.
Somebody should tell the President to simply ignore Robredo. She does not deserve an answer.
