Augusto F. Mesia, M.D.
"Better safe than sorry."
"A pound of prevention is greater than an ounce of cure."
These are in essence what the Department and Health (DOH) and World Health Organization (WHO) are telling the country when they advice Manny Pacquiao to postpone his triumphal return to Manila after his victory over Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas, Nevada. Still, Manny Pacquiao returns to the Philippines today, offering only to go into voluntary quarantine at his home in General Santos City.
There is something eerie each time Manny Pacquiao comes to Las Vegas, Nevada to fight in the boxing arena. Last Saturday, just like his fight against Oscar de la Hoya, the match between him and Englishman Ricky Hatton was attended by 50 Philippine congressmen even if it lasted only for 3 minutes.
The next day, only 131 Philippine congressmen out 263 reported for work.
Filipinos displayed almost total unanimity in support for Manny Pacquiao during his boxing bout with Ricky Hatton. The entire nation was ecstatic to watch the astounding victory that carved Manny’s name among the greatest boxers of the world. As his countrymen prepared for a hero’s welcome in Manila, a brewing firestorm of controversy had started.
It’s a waiting game for three individuals who were quarantined in Cebu on suspicion that they harbor the H1N1 flu virus. A Filipino who was detected to be running fever by thermal scan at Cebu Airpot was isolated together with his wife after they arrived from their trip which brought them to Ireland, Hongkong then to Cebu via Cathay Pacific Fight.
The uproar over Cris Anthony Mendez’ death on August 27, 2007 due to hazing was clear early on, as if the crime doers will not escape justice. The desire for retribution was as blistering as the sadness the nation had to bear.
UP President Emerlinda Roman ostensibly promised to bring the perpetrators to justice, a big job to tackle against the 12 Sigma Rho fraternity members (fratmen) charged with the Mendez’ death. Ageing Jovito Salonga resigned from the frat which seemed evasive, but cryptically called for “finding the truth” after a characteristic long silence.
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