In today’s political climate, it’s common to encounter a range of opinions about our President. Many people express their discontent based on what they’ve heard or perceived actions—or inactions—related to him and his family. Some even suggest that supporting him is misguided. However, I firmly believe that if our President fails, we all fail as a nation. It is imperative that we support our leaders, regardless of our personal feelings.
Constructive criticism is vital in any democracy, and it’s perfectly okay to voice our concerns about perceived shortcomings in our government. However, it’s equally important that when we criticize, we do so with informed opinions and potential solutions. We need to engage in meaningful dialogue and contribute to the conversation with facts and actionable ideas.
Take, for example, our President’s recent remarks about preferring to spend his holiday season reading books. This demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning—a quality that reflects intellectual depth. A leader who reads is not only informed but also better equipped to tackle the complexities of governance. It’s worth noting that those close to him have shared his passion for reading, further emphasizing his dedication to expanding his knowledge.
Critics often label him as lazy or uninformed, but this narrative misses the mark. We should take a step back and examine his actions more closely. His navigation of the impeachment case against then-Supreme Court Justice Corona is a testament to his understanding of intricate legal matters. Furthermore, he was the only leader who took the time to meet with the families of the SAF 44 victims when others turned away. These actions illustrate a level of empathy and commitment that should not be overlooked.
Recently, Executive Secretary Bersamin urged Congress to expedite the approval of the 2025 budget. Rather than simply signing it, our President chose to review it line by line with his Cabinet members. This level of diligence raises an important question: Can we truly call this a leader we want to bring down? How does undermining our President contribute to a stronger nation?
Reflecting on my experiences, I once attended a birthday celebration for a prominent Prime Minister in Asia. When I shared my thoughts on how that leader revolutionized his country, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of sadness for the Philippines. My friend from that country remarked on the stark difference in how we treat our leaders. While they honor theirs, we often choose to vilify ours—sometimes even to the point of incarceration.
Despite the criticism I face for supporting President Marcos, I stand by my convictions. I believe in the importance of unity and collaboration for the betterment of our nation. A close friend even blocked me for defending our President, but that is the essence of democracy—where differing opinions exist.
I support PBBM because I see in him the statesmanship I have longed for, and more importantly, because he is our President. I want to see our country succeed, and that requires us to rally behind our leaders, regardless of our individual opinions. Let’s work together to build a brighter future for the Philippines!
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A Merry Christmas for Our Senior Citizens
It was indeed a Merry Christmas for our senior citizens this year, thanks to a groundbreaking announcement from Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa. In a move that has been widely welcomed, the Department of Health (DOH) has issued an administrative order that eliminates the requirement for seniors to present a purchase booklet to avail themselves of discounts on medicines.
This change, encapsulated in DOH Administrative Order No. 2024-0017, is a significant shift aimed at making healthcare more accessible for the elderly. Previously, obtaining discounts on medications required seniors to navigate a complex process involving not only valid identification but also a doctor’s prescription, all while carrying a purchase booklet. For many senior citizens, this added layer of complexity created unnecessary hurdles in accessing essential medications.
Secretary Herbosa, who understands these challenges firsthand as a senior citizen himself, emphasized the importance of this new policy. “I know it is hard to always bring a purchase booklet with you. Seniors need the discount on their medicines, and we must make it easy for them to get that,” he stated. His words reflect a deep empathy towards the elderly population, acknowledging their daily struggles and the need for streamlined processes.
In a heartfelt message, Herbosa expressed the spirit of the season: “On behalf of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., we at the DOH give this gift of convenience and more affordable medicines to all of our senior citizens. Merry Christmas po!” This initiative not only aims to alleviate the financial burden of medications but also to enhance the overall quality of life for seniors during the holiday season.
As families gather to celebrate, this reform stands as a reminder of the government’s commitment to supporting its aging population. By removing bureaucratic barriers, the DOH is fostering an environment where senior citizens can access the healthcare they need with dignity and ease.
This Christmas, the gift of convenience and affordability has truly made a difference for many seniors, ensuring that they can focus on what matters most: spending time with loved ones and enjoying the festive spirit.
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