Quo vadis DOH?

The USA Today issue of Monday, Nov. 29 pointed out that 400,000 Americans die every year due to cigarette smoking. It endorses the plan of the US government to put more graphic warning labels on cigarette boxes like WARNING: CIGARETTE CAUSES CANCER. Compared with non smokers, 23 percent of men are most likely to develop lung cancer from smoking.

In the Philippines, there has been no major campaign against smoking except for one TV ad. With the advent of the Aquino government, health officials have stopped talking about it as the two top executive officials, the President and his Executive Secretary being confirmed chain smokers. Both are reported to consume 6 packs each a day. Well, that’s their lookout. But certainly, the population, especially teenagers must be warned about the perils of smoking. It’s the duty of the Secretary of Health to do so. NGOs must also start pushing.

Under Secretary Enrique Ona, dengue cases have reached a record 115,000 cases. One hundred twenty-four packets of donated blood have been found to be HIV positive. The DOH has the duty to regulate the activities of blood banks. In Cebu, HIV cases increased from 95 to 268.

The DOH is clearly lagging behind.

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BAYANING PILIPINO AWARDEE . . .Congratulations and our admiration to Dr. Welthy Villanueva, a breast cancer patient, who crosses several mountains and 30 rivers in Palawan to reach the Batak tribe, who are still living in the stone age and minister to their medical needs.

The Bataks who are “negrito” still hunt and fish for their food. The adults are skimpily dressed in loin cloth, with the women bare breasted and children naked.

Dr. Villanueva’s example is truly heartwarming. His story raises a disturbing question of the DOH health personnel still not reaching distant barangays, especially indigenous tribes. And the Governor and Mayor? Shouldn’t they be visiting all their constituents? There is also one big question — Is the Transfer Program reaching these poorest of the poor Filipinos? Sen. Pres. Juan Ponce Enrile questioned the DSWD why coastal villages have not been included in the list of beneficiaries.

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BROKEN . . .After the Japanese government issued a travel advisory against going to the Philippines because of the prevalence and dangers of robberies, kidnappings and other security concerns, the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) based in Hong Kong issued a report describing the Philippines as “a nation that cannot protect its citizenry.”

In a scathing denunciation, the report said:

“A nation that cannot protect families and the community where they live cannot hope to protect foreigners on its soil. It is a broken and lawless nation.” We have repeatedly reported on the killings and kidnappings of foreigners in the country.

The AHRC further emphasized:

It is an “illusion and absurdity” to claim there is protection and security in the Philippines, citing cases where “elements of the police and the military are themselves involved in the commission of crimes.”

“It has become ordinary for killings to be perpetrated in broad daylight in crowded public places and in front of the victims’ families in their own homes” the AHRC added.

It pointed to the Maguindanao massacre as “the most potent case of mayhem,” noting that it was perpetrated by government allies.

More killings have hit the media headlines. The last few days, leading the reports is the killing of Vice Mayor Alexander Tomawis of Barira, Maguindanao who was assassinated in Barangay Buhangin, Davao City. The UN also condemned the ambush of a truck carrying relief killing driver Sadam Basnillo in Marantao, Lanao del Sur. Department of Agriculture official Armando Aropani, 51, was shot dead inside his house in Lal-lo, Cagayan.

Indian money lender Charmjewd Singh was killed in President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat while riding companion Serjit Singh was wounded. Shahani Co, a Chinese national was shot dead in a shootout with another Chinese national at the five-star Fontana Resort in Clark Field, Pampanga. Why are they allowed to carry firearms?

Ex-Metro Manila cop Inspector Alan Jing Medina, 31, was shot dead outside a cockpit in Digos City. Rolando Esguerra was shot by holduppers at the corner of Panay and Timog, QC who snatched his bag of money. Twelve fishermen were abducted in Basilan.

After five months of the Aquino government, there has been no improvement in the anti crime front. In fact, the situation is getting worse as symbolized by a policeman raping a masseuse inside a police precinct in Metro Manila and also two Cainta, Rizal policemen were charged with trying to “salvage” a 22-year-old pregnant woman, stabbing, shooting her and dumping her body in a Pagsanjan, Laguna ravine. Wake up Usec Puno, Gen. Bacalzo and NBI Director Magtanggol Gatdula.

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MORE BOTCHA . . . 333 kilos of double dead meat or botcha were seized in Angeles City. The meat dealer, identified the source as GN Rica Meat Products. The NBI should investigate this source.

In Baguio City, the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) warns the public of double dead ham and processed meat being sold in public markets. This should be sufficient to warn everybody not to buy ham not coming from reputable companies.

Up to now, the Bureau of Customs has not acted to explain the presence of tons of imported frozen meat flooding the markets from Balintawak, QC to Cebu.

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TIDBITS . . . Japan, China and Hong Kong do not require airline passengers to take their shoes off at security counters. Why are we still requiring it? . . .It is correct for Sen. Vicente Sotto to object to DOH buying P800 million worth of condoms. There are more serious priorities like setting up more dialysis machines in government hospitals or hiring more nurses to reach distant barangays.

GMA publicist Dante Ang has been hired by PCSO to handle its media program. The new rules covering STL operations have not been finalized. Why? Is the lobby of STL/jueteng operations taking its toll? Millions are involved here every day.

Rep. Toby Tiangco (PMP, Navotas) is very active, leading the campaign against colorum buses on Edsa. Gabriela Rep. Luz Ilagan, RH bill author, is another useful lawmaker.

Parañaque City Treasurer Jesusa Cuneta has been charged by the DOF before the Ombudsman for unexplained wealth. Yes, treasurers are among the wealthiest local officials. All of them should be subjected to lifestyle checks.