GMA working with flu for 2 weeks

Since Friday last week, President Arroyo has been doing this and never missed an appointment in her hectic schedule. All she complained about was a sore throat.

Sen. Robert Barbers said yesterday that he first noticed the President’s condition on Monday during the launching of Himagsik ng Bansa Laban sa Droga, the government’s new multi-sectoral anti-illegal drugs campaign at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila last Nov. 30.

"She was talking in a hushed tone and was hardly speaking. She was not even able to address the crowd," said Barbers.

But he said he dismissed it and thought it was probably only because of the weather.

But on that day, the President had a full schedule. The Himagsik launch was preceded by the inauguration of the new Davao International Airport in Davao City and was followed by another inauguration, this time a tourism project in Intramuros.

Barbers said this week, Mrs. Arroyo also led an anti-crime campaign when she visited a Pasig warehouse where shabu ingredients were seized, presented to the media two captured kidnap-for-ransom group leaders and presided over the reconciliation of feuding Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. and Director Eduardo Matillano.

"It shows the character of a leader. That even when you are not 100 percent healthy, you can still deliver 100 percent in your work. Do we need a better gauge for our next President?" Barbers asked.

The Mindanao lawmaker praised Mrs. Arroyo’s "unselfish work ethic" but nevertheless advised her "to take it easy."

"Mrs. Arroyo’s dedication to her work is exceptional and commendable but I am respectfully asking her also not to do so at the risk of her health," Barbers said.— Jose Rodel Clapano